Tender

CO6135 - Ice Cream Concession Framework

TOWER HAMLETS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

09 Dec 2025 at 16:23

Summary of the contracting process

Tower Hamlets, a sub-central government authority located in London, is inviting applications for the "CO6135 - Ice Cream Concession Framework". This procurement process, currently in the tender stage, aims to award licences to high-quality operators for ice cream concessions across various parks within the borough. The contract is due to start on 1st April 2026, with a four-year term, providing applicants with long-term income security. Interested parties must submit their tenders by 19th January 2026, with the enquiry period ending on 14th January 2026. This open competition is designed for canteen and catering services, focusing on compliance and business credentials.

This tender offers a prime opportunity for businesses involved in mobile catering and vending services, particularly those with experience in ice cream and similar food services. By securing a spot on the framework, successful bidders can enhance their visibility and establish a substantial presence within a busy, urban area. The opportunity is particularly beneficial for SMEs and social enterprises, as the criteria focus on quality, affordability, environmental responsibility, and local knowledge. Additionally, businesses operated by Tower Hamlets residents may have a competitive advantage, thereby promoting local economic growth.

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Notice Title

CO6135 - Ice Cream Concession Framework

Notice Description

The object of this tender is to ensure we grant licenses to good quality operators with at least the following criteria, Those applicants: 1. hold a basic food hygiene certificate 2. hold a valid Public Liability insurance 3. operate from a modern safe vehicle conforming to safe levels of CO2 Omissions 4. Are able to operate by electric as and when electric power supply is made available in parks 4. offer a good range of quality products at affordable prices 5. offer healthy eating alternatives 6. have past experience of similar trading and have local knowledge of the area 7. ideally be a Tower Hamlets resident This procurement is for potential providers to secure a place on this Framework. If successful in applying for a place on this framework, providers will be eligible to bid for any concession contract (ie for a fixed pitch within a park) that is tendered through it and which is within the scope of the services they are able to provide. A number of fixed pitches within the various parks located within the borough will be offered throughout the term of the framework. We are intending to grant a license for a term of 4 years, the longer term offered provides applicants security of income, which may enable them to invest in their business as well as an opportunity to upgrade their ice cream vans. There appears to be many illegal/ unlicensed operators trading in the vicinity of parks selling products of poor quality. By licensing operators based on the above criteria, we are ensuring residents and park users are not only getting value for money, but that they are buying products from properly insured operators that are registered with Environmental Health and hold basic food hygiene certificates We hold a database of over 30 operators that have in the past expressed an interest in trading in LBTH Parks. Most tend to enquire only for Victoria Park as it is the busiest park.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f21a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081184-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services


CPV Codes

55500000 - Canteen and catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£110,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£110,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
19 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TOWER HAMLETS
Contact Name
Procurement Team
Contact Email
procurement@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+442073646838

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E1 1BJ
Post Town
East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI42 Tower Hamlets
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Tower Hamlets
Electoral Ward
Whitechapel
Westminster Constituency
Bethnal Green and Stepney

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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