Planning

Market Engagement Questionnaire - Marketing Services Framework

SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Planning

23 Feb 2026 at 09:54

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

11 Feb 2026 at 09:58

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

09 Feb 2026 at 08:11

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Sunderland City Council is in the planning stage of a new procurement process for a Marketing Services Framework, with essential activities scheduled around 5 March 2026. The contract is set to commence on 1 July 2026 and continue through to 2030, covering various lots including Strategy and Planning, Design, Photography, Video, Media Buying, Specialist Consultancy Services, and Web and Digital. This procurement process falls under the services industry category and is aimed at serving the Council and its local authority trading companies. Prospective suppliers should note that preliminary market engagement is ongoing, and participation via a questionnaire on the OPEN portal is encouraged to shape the framework's development. The Council intends to advertise the framework through an open procedure and engaged businesses should be prepared for a future notice release around 27 March 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in marketing services to expand their portfolio while aligning with Sunderland City Council's marketing strategy requirements. With an inclusive approach that favours SMEs and VCSEs, the framework is designed to ensure a wide array of service providers, including those with innovative ideas in communications consultancy, can compete effectively. Particularly suited for businesses that offer integrated marketing strategies, media buying, digital marketing, and more, this framework offers a stable, long-term partnership opportunity over four years. Companies involved in marketing services should consider registering on the OPEN portal to access documentation and engage with Sunderland City Council’s procurement process efficiently.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Market Engagement Questionnaire - Marketing Services Framework

Notice Description

Market Engagement Questionnaire for Marketing Services Framework Sunderland City Council (the Council) has advertised the Market Engagement Questions on the OPEN portal (https://open-uk.org/) in regards to the following opportunity: The Council is seeking to establish a framework for Marketing Services. The scope of the framework will be utilised by the Council and its Local Authority trading companies. It is expected that the contract will commence on approximately 1 July 2026 for a period of 4 years. In line with the Council's core requirements, the framework is anticipated to be divided into the following Lots: Lot 1 - Strategy and Planning Integrated marketing and communications strategies, translating the strategy into, and producing, actionable, effective, cost efficient and measurable communications plans across all relevant channels, including online, offline, owned and earned, as well as paid-for media and brand development Lot 2 - Design Full design service across all types of projects. Lot 3 - Photography Development and production services on a standalone basis. Lot 4 - Video Development and production services on a standalone basis Lot 5 - Media Buying Advising on targeted paid for marketing and can provide all media buying services for the Councils communications campaigns. Lot 6 - Specialist Consultancy Services New and innovative communications ideas and consultancy on specific subjects. Lot 7 - Web and Digital Online copywriting, SEO optimisation, digital strategy and planning, digital marketing implementation The framework is anticipated to be a ranked framework with the ability to call-off and is expected to commence in July 2026. The framework opportunity will be advertised on OPEN .

Planning Information

The Council are carrying out market engagement in regards to the Marketing Services Framework via a questionnaire which is available for any suppliers to complete via OPEN portal (https://open-uk.org/). This is to determine market interest in the process and for you to help inform the development of the Marketing Services Framework commissioned in Sunderland. • As a provider, you have important insights into what will or won't work in service delivery. This is your opportunity to influence the development of the specification. Please note that any information you provide may be used to inform and influence the development of the service.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064abc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015919-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79342000 - Marketing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Feb 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
16 Mar 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SUNDERLAND
Postcode
SR1 3AA
Post Town
Sunderland
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC44 Sunderland
Delivery Location
TLC23 Sunderland
Local Authority
Sunderland
Electoral Ward
Millfield
Westminster Constituency
Sunderland Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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