Planning

161_27 Artists Grounds, Brushes and Painting tools

LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, TRADING AS ESPO

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

07 May 2026 at 13:12

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO, focuses on a forthcoming framework for the supply of artist brushes, grounds, portfolios, easels, and mats. This planned procurement notice was published on 7th May 2026, with ESPO acting as a public authority operating at the sub-central government level. The procurement, which falls under the goods category, carries an estimated contract value of £5,500,000 and targets delivery across the UK, specifically to the ESPO Distribution Centre in Leicester and directly to ESPO customer establishments. Set under a strategic framework agreement, the contract period is expected to start on 1st March 2027 and extend until 31st March 2029, with possibilities for renewal. Suppliers can anticipate further announcements on 4th September 2026.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses involved in manufacturing or supplying art supplies, especially those capable of handling large-scale distribution. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, given the procurement's specific suitability criteria. Businesses focusing on art supplies will find this an ideal opportunity to expand their market reach through ESPO's extensive catalogue, serving educational and public sector requirements across the UK. Engaging in this procurement process allows suppliers to secure a stable and potentially long-term partnership with a trusted regional procurement body.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

161_27 Artists Grounds, Brushes and Painting tools

Notice Description

Please note, this is a Pipeline notice only for ESPO contracts that are forecast to be re-procured or new procurement projects that are expected to be undertaken. The details captured are therefore only provided as an estimate, and no further information other than as captured can be provided at this time. For all current ESPO opportunities, please visit https://www.eastmidstenders.org/. ESPO is a trading department of Leicestershire County Council. It is a non-profit making body owned and operated jointly by six local authorities. We provide a catalogue range, providing our customers with access to over 28,000 products that cover all key areas of education and wider public sector requirements. This Pipeline notice is being published to alert the supplier market that ESPO expects to establish a framework for the supply of Artist brushes, Artist grounds, portfolios, easels and mats for the ESPO catalogue, for delivery as stock items to the ESPO Distribution Centre, Leicester and for direct delivery to individual ESPO customer establishments throughout the UK.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069373
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041966-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

37 - Musical instruments, sport goods, games, toys, handicraft, art materials and accessories

CPV Codes

37820000 - Art supplies

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£5,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
4 Sep 20264 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, TRADING AS ESPO
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LEICESTER
Postcode
LE19 1ES
Post Town
Leicester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF22 Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Blaby
Electoral Ward
Enderby
Westminster Constituency
South Leicestershire

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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