This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

17 Jun 2026 at 14:37

Tender

26 Mar 2026 at 16:31

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process initiated by Manchester City Council involves the awarding of a contract for the "Transport Service for Manchester Schools Swimming Programme". This falls under the road transport services industry category, focusing on providing safe transport for pupils to attend swimming lessons as part of the national curriculum. With the procurement using an open procedure method, the contract was awarded on 17th June 2026 to SWANS TRAVEL LIMITED. The contract commences on 1st September 2026 and is scheduled to run for three years, with an option to extend for an additional year. The procurement stage has now progressed to the award stage, and the contract's total value exceeds £1.4 million GBP. The project's location falls within Manchester, UK, with key targets for safety and reliability in the transport service provided.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in transport services, especially those capable of handling sensitive and reliable service requirements. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as SWANS TRAVEL LIMITED, are well-suited for this tender, given the value and scope of services required for the Manchester School Swimming Programme. By participating in such projects, businesses can establish themselves as trustworthy partners in public sector initiatives, potentially leading to more contracts in the future. The project's long-term nature and its potential renewal offer an opportunity for sustained business growth and an expansion of services within the educational sector. The tender invites companies to demonstrate their capacity to deliver quality, social value, and environmental sustainability in their services, underlining the importance of these factors in the public procurement process.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Transport Service for Manchester Schools Swimming Programme.

Notice Description

We are seeking a contractor to be a key part of the delivery of the Manchester School Swimming Programme. You will be responsible for the safe transport of pupils from across the city to one of Manchester's leisure centres to attend their national curriculum swimming lessons. You will be part of a hugely successful swimming programme that is recognised nationally as a good model of practice. The programme produces national curriculum attainment that is considerably higher than the national average, which we are very proud of. We look forward to working with the successful contractor to continue building on this success. The contract will be awarded to 1 company. The framework period will be for 3 years with the option to extend for an additional 1 years. It is intended for the framework to commence 01 September 2026. (Term time only,approx. 36-39 weeks per year). The transport and service provided by the contractor must be safe, sensitive and reliable. The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk. Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity .

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The framework period will be for a duration of 3 years with an option to extend for an additional 1 year.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0675ab
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057256-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60100000 - Road transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,465,608 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,465,608 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£1,465,608 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jun 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
23 Apr 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
16 Jun 20261 months ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MANCHESTER 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
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M60 2LA
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
TLD3 Greater Manchester

Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Piccadilly
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SWANS TRAVEL

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057256-2026
    17th June 2026 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/028147-2026
    26th March 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • www.the-chest.org.uk
    The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity. Applicants will need to electronically submit their completed tender documents, including procurement specific questionnaire, via the on-line portal by 11am on 23 April 2026 as referred to in the tender documentation. Any clarification queries must also be submitted via the Chest website by the date referred to in the tender documentation.

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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