This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

10 Jun 2026 at 15:25

Tender

24 Mar 2026 at 16:12

Summary of the contracting process

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority, along with other regional fire authorities, has completed the procurement process for the "Fire Service Legal Services (FSO Enforcement Support Services)" contract. The procurement, previously tendered in March 2026, has moved to the award stage as of June 2026. The contract was procured using an open method under a below-threshold, open competition directive. The service required entails specialised legal representation for fire safety cases, primarily within the UK regions of Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Hartlepool. Formal court representation for fire safety law is expected. The contract commenced on 1st June 2026 and will run until 31st May 2030, with options for extension available. The successful supplier for this service is BLACKHURST BUDD LIMITED, a small to medium enterprise based in Blackpool.

This contract presents significant opportunities for businesses with expertise in legal services, specifically those specialising in fire safety law and court representation. Firms experienced in navigating the nuances of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 are particularly well-suited to compete for similar contracts. Engagement in such public sector projects can enhance a company's portfolio and offer stable revenue streams, particularly for SMEs aiming to expand their footprint in governmental services. The focus on quality and price in the tender criteria suggests businesses must demonstrate both excellent service delivery and cost-effectiveness. This opportunity establishes a pathway for legal firms to strengthen partnerships with public authority clients across multiple UK regions.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Fire Service Legal Services (FSO Enforcement Support Services)

Notice Description

The Authorities require a suitably qualified Fire Safety Lawyer/legal representation at Magistrates and higher level courts to deal with fire safety cases as and when required. Fire Safety law is a specialist subject and a unique area of law and the providers must have expensive experience of Fire Safety Law and court proceedings.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: 2 x 1 year extensions available following a review of contract delivery and should the requirement still exist.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067324
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/054907-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

79100000 - Legal services

79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£84,500 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Jun 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
5 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 May 20262 months ago
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 May 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY
Additional Buyers

CLEVELAND FIRE AUTHORITY

TYNE AND WEAR FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

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

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 1TW
Post Town
Durham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC3 Tees Valley
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC31 Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
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
Hartlepool
Electoral Ward
Fens & Greatham
Westminster Constituency
Hartlepool

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BLACKHURST BUDD

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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