Tender

Global Media & Marketing Services Ecosystem (Media, Performance & Creative Services)

BRITISH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

18 Mar 2026 at 14:59

Tender

18 Mar 2026 at 11:37

Summary of the contracting process

The British Council is currently in the tender update stage for the Global Media & Marketing Services Ecosystem, aiming to appoint a single Global Lead media agency that can handle global paid media services across various sectors including English, Exams, and Cultural Engagement. This tender, classified under market research and advertising and marketing services, is valued at £150 million gross and covers services for the entire UK. Interested parties should note key deadlines, such as the expression of interest due on 17 April 2026 at 14:00 BST. The procurement process is selective and follows a competitive flexible procedure, with potential suppliers being shortlisted based on mandatory requirements and technical capability to proceed to Phase 2 of the Invitation to Tender.

This tender represents a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in media and marketing services to enhance their growth by forming a strategic partnership with the British Council. Companies with strengths in creative, performance, and media services are well-positioned to compete and meet the Council's requirements. The contract offers significant scope for business development over its term, including possible extensions up to three additional years. Enterprises capable of deploying specialist partners under an Exception Policy and those with China carve-out expertise may find particularly relevant opportunities. The selective procurement method is designed to ensure competitively robust submissions, rewarding high-quality and cost-effective proposals.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Global Media & Marketing Services Ecosystem (Media, Performance & Creative Services)

Notice Description

2.1 The British Council is seeking a single Global Lead media agency, with the ability to deploy approved specialist partners under an Exception Policy including China carve-out arrangements, to deliver global paid media services across English, Exams and Cultural Engagement.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066d46
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024715-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

79310000 - Market research services

79340000 - Advertising and marketing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£125,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£125,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Mar 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
27 Mar 20264 days to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 1 Oct 2028 2-3 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
BRITISH 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
LONDON
Postcode
E20 1JQ
Post Town
East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI41 Hackney and Newham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Newham
Electoral Ward
Stratford Olympic Park
Westminster Constituency
Stratford and Bow

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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