Award

Graduation ceremony Hire

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

26 Mar 2026 at 14:10

Summary of the contracting process

The Open University has completed the procurement process for hiring Symphony Hall in Birmingham to host its graduation ceremony scheduled for 21 May 2027. The contracting process falls under the services category, and was executed using a direct procurement method below the threshold, without competition, classifying it as complete. The Open University, a public authority part of the sub-central government sector, is the buying organisation involved, with operations centred in Milton Keynes. This award stage process was formalised on 16 January 2026, when the contract was signed at a value of £37,900 net, grossing £45,480.

This tender offers significant growth opportunities for enterprises specialising in event services, particularly those with capabilities in venue hire management, due to its comprehensive logistics requirements. B:Music (Enterprises) Ltd, a small and medium-sized enterprise based in Birmingham, successfully secured the contract, illustrating the potential for similar business ventures in the United Kingdom to engage with public authorities in delivering event-related services. Organisations with expertise in event planning and management in the region would be well-suited to pursue similar opportunities, given the direct procurement approach that favours qualified local suppliers for sub-threshold contracts.

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Notice Title

Graduation ceremony Hire

Notice Description

Hire of Symphony Hall, Birmingham on 21 May 2027 for OU graduation ceremony

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067544
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027978-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without 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

79952000 - Event services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£37,900 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
16 Jan 20262 months ago
Contract Period
16 Jan 2026 - 21 May 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MILTON KEYNES
Postcode
MK7 6AA
Post Town
Milton Keynes
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ12 Milton Keynes
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Milton Keynes
Electoral Ward
Monkston
Westminster Constituency
Milton Keynes Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

B:MUSIC (ENTERPRISES

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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