This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

21 May 2026 at 13:10

Tender

17 Mar 2026 at 11:06

Summary of the contracting process

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has completed the procurement process for the distribution of the Sandwell Herald council newspaper from April 2026 to April 2028. The open competition procurement method, classified under services, was conducted below the threshold, inviting experienced suppliers to distribute up to six editions over the contract duration, subject to demand and budget. This process culminated in a contract awarded to THE LETTERBOX CONSULTANCY LIMITED on 20 April 2026. The procurement was initiated with a legal basis under UKPGA 2023/54, with essential dates including an end date for the tender period on 27 March 2026. Distribution will occur within the UKG37 region of the United Kingdom.

This tender represents significant business growth opportunities for companies specialising in printing and distribution services, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By participating in such tenders, businesses can establish strong relationships with public authorities and expand their portfolios in government contract sectors. Companies capable of delivering high-quality distribution services to adhere to specific timelines and standards will find themselves well-suited to partake in future opportunities. Additionally, with criteria favouring a combination of price and quality, businesses that offer cost-efficient yet robust solutions will be particularly competitive.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Distribution of the Sandwell Herald council newspaper 2026-28

Notice Description

Distribution of the Sandwell Herald council newspaper 2026-28 Sandwell Council requires an experienced supplier to handle the distribution of the Sandwell Herald newspaper in line with its current specifications for up to six editions for the period 20 April 2026 to 19 April 2028. Please note that the Herald is designed separately and printing is handled via a separate contract. The most recent edition can be viewed at www.sandwell.gov.uk/herald The number of Herald editions per annum, and over the 2-year contract, will be subject to demand and budget. The first edition under the contract is expected to distribute in July 2026. We anticipate up to six editions over the two-year contract.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: If the cost is below contract value and there is enough budget for another print this will possibly be done.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066bf0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047130-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
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

79824000 - Printing and distribution services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£96,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£96,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£115,011 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
27 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Apr 20262 months ago
Contract Period
19 Apr 2026 - 19 Apr 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SANDWELL METROPOLITAN BOROUGH 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
OLDBURY
Postcode
B69 3DE
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG37 Sandwell
Delivery Location
TLG37 Sandwell

Local Authority
Sandwell
Electoral Ward
Oldbury
Westminster Constituency
West Bromwich

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

THE LETTERBOX CONSULTANCY

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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