This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

20 May 2026 at 15:29

Award

19 Mar 2026 at 12:19

Tender

07 Jan 2026 at 12:05

Summary of the contracting process

The British Library Board, located in London, has successfully progressed to the award stage for the "002713 British Library Conservation, Bindery & Enclosures Framework" project. This procurement falls under the industry category of bookbinding and finishing services, covering the United Kingdom. The procurement process is now at the award stage, following an open procedure initiated on 7 January 2026, with key contracts officially signed on 31 March 2026. The framework includes three lots encompassing conservation, rebinding, and enclosure solutions, each tailored to distinct binding requirements. The duration of the framework is set to begin on 1 April 2026, with an initial contract period of 12 months and options for three additional 12-month extensions, potentially extending through to 31 March 2030.

This intricate framework presents a significant opportunity for small to medium-sized enterprises specialising in conservation and binding services. Businesses with expertise in handling volumes covered with leather, cloth, or buckram, as well as experience in paper conservation and library enclosures, could find substantial growth potential in this framework. The opportunity is particularly suited for companies adept at offering specialised conservation techniques, innovative binding solutions, and high-quality enclosures that meet the British Library's rigorous standards. By participating, businesses can bolster their portfolio with a reputable public sector client, thus opening doors to further opportunities within the cultural heritage sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

002713 British Library Conservation, Bindery & Enclosures Framework

Notice Description

The British Library is establishing a framework arrangement with suppliers who can demonstrate their capability in providing high quality conservation and binding services to Library collections. This Tender is divided into 3 Lots and the classification of lots is based on types of treatment, as stated below. 1.Lot 1 - Conservation of volumes covered in leather, cloth, buckram or paper as well as general paper conservation 2.Lot 2 - Rebinding and binding of unbound material, including lettering 3.Lot 3 - Buckram-covered enclosures for Library collections, including lettering

Lot Information

Conservation of volumes covered in leather, cloth, buckram or paper as well as general paper conservation

Renewal: The duration of the framework arrangement will be an initial period of 12 months commencing on the 1 April 2026 with a further three optional 12-month extensions thereafter. The total maximum duration of the framework arrangement will therefore be four years from 1 April 2026.

Rebinding and binding of unbound material, including lettering

Renewal: The duration of the framework arrangement will be an initial period of 12 months commencing on the 1 April 2026 with a further three optional 12-month extensions thereafter. The total maximum duration of the framework arrangement will therefore be four years from 1 April 2026.

Buckram-covered enclosures for Library collections, including lettering

Renewal: The duration of the framework arrangement will be an initial period of 12 months commencing on the 1 April 2026 with a further three optional 12-month extensions thereafter. The total maximum duration of the framework arrangement will therefore be four years from 1 April 2026.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0600dd
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046534-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79971000 - Bookbinding and finishing services

79971200 - Bookbinding services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,800,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,800,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£1,800,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£1,800,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
2 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Mar 20265 months ago
Contract Period
1 Apr 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
British Library Board
Additional Buyers

British Library

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
NW1 2DB
Postcode Area
North West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI36 Camden
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Camden
Electoral Ward
St Pancras & Somers Town
Westminster Constituency
Holborn and St Pancras

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
7
Supplier Names

DOWNIE ALLISON DOWNIE LIMITED

FARCROFT RESTORATIONS LTD

MAX COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDW BOOK AND PAPER CONSERVATION LIMITED

SPINK AND THACKRAY (LEEDS) LIMITED

SYCAMORE BOOKBINDING, RESTORATION & PAPER CONSERVATION LIMITED

THE BOOKENDS BINDERY LTD

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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