Tender

Marketing Services Framework

SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

07 May 2026 at 16:28

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Sunderland City Council revolves around a "Marketing Services Framework", aimed at securing comprehensive marketing services for the council and its associated Local Authority trading companies. This tender invitation, tagged under public authority as a sub-central government body, falls within the marketing services industry category. The procurement stage is currently active under the tender process, with a deadline set for the submission by 4th June 2026. Interested suppliers should be located in or serviced within the UKC23 region of the United Kingdom, and the estimated gross contract value is £2,000,000. Suppliers aiming to participate must register through the OPEN portal for tender documentation.

The tender presents numerous opportunities for business growth, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that excel in various aspects of marketing such as strategy and planning, design, photography, video production, media buying, specialist consultancy services, and digital marketing, as highlighted in the seven identified Lots. Each Lot has a contract period running from 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2030, and businesses with expertise in delivering high-quality, cost-effective marketing solutions stand a strong chance of being awarded the contract. The framework is accessible to businesses that can offer both individual and integrated marketing services, with a competitive advantage for those scoring high on quality. The open procurement method and its provisions for a framework agreement allow for both newly established businesses and experienced entities to contribute to the council's marketing objectives.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Marketing Services Framework

Notice Description

Sunderland City Council is seeking to establish a framework for Marketing Services. The scope of the framework will include provisions for, and will be utilised by, the Council and its Local Authority trading companies. Under the framework a cost-effective, flexible, high quality and value for money service will be provided that can meet a range of marketing support requirements. In general, marketing services will be reflective of the Council's core requirements, and consideration is being given to including the following Lots: Lot 1 - Strategy and Planning Lot 2 - Design Lot 3 - Photography Lot 4 - Video Lot 5 - Media Buying Lot 6 - Specialist Consultancy Services Lot 7 - Web and Digital This procurement will be available on the OPEN portal (https://open-uk.org). Interested suppliers are advised to ensure they are registered on the OPEN portal to gain access to the documentation upon the publication of the tender.

Lot Information

Strategy and Planning

Integrated marketing and communications strategies, translating the strategy into, and producing, actionable, effective, cost efficient and measurable communications plans across all relevant channels, including online, offline, owned and earned, as well as paid-for media and brand development

Design

Full design service across all types of projects.

Photography

Development and production services on a standalone basis.

Video

Development and production services on a standalone basis

Media Buying

Advising on targeted paid for marketing and can provide all media buying services for the Councils communications campaigns.

Specialist Consultancy Services

New and innovative communications ideas and consultancy on specific subjects.

Web and Digital

Online copywriting, SEO optimisation, digital strategy and planning, digital marketing implementation

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0693ed
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042178-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

79342000 - Marketing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,999,998 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
4 Jun 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2030 4-5 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
SUNDERLAND 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
SUNDERLAND
Postcode
SR1 3AA
Post Town
Sunderland
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC44 Sunderland
Delivery Location
TLC23 Sunderland

Local Authority
Sunderland
Electoral Ward
Millfield
Westminster Constituency
Sunderland Central

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0693ed-2026-05-07T17:28:38+01:00",
    "date": "2026-05-07T17:28:38+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0693ed",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PLVZ-4154-GGRZ",
            "name": "Sunderland City Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PLVZ-4154-GGRZ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "City Hall, Plater Way,",
                "locality": "Sunderland",
                "postalCode": "SR1 3AA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKC23"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "corporate.procurement@sunderland.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PLVZ-4154-GGRZ",
        "name": "Sunderland City Council"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "Please refer to the following notice which we are unable to link due to a technical error with the FTS system ocds-h6vhtk-064abc for the avoidance of doubt Market Engagement was carried out"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0693ed",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Marketing Services Framework",
        "description": "Sunderland City Council is seeking to establish a framework for Marketing Services. The scope of the framework will include provisions for, and will be utilised by, the Council and its Local Authority trading companies. Under the framework a cost-effective, flexible, high quality and value for money service will be provided that can meet a range of marketing support requirements. In general, marketing services will be reflective of the Council's core requirements, and consideration is being given to including the following Lots: Lot 1 - Strategy and Planning Lot 2 - Design Lot 3 - Photography Lot 4 - Video Lot 5 - Media Buying Lot 6 - Specialist Consultancy Services Lot 7 - Web and Digital This procurement will be available on the OPEN portal (https://open-uk.org). Interested suppliers are advised to ensure they are registered on the OPEN portal to gain access to the documentation upon the publication of the tender.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC23",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC23",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC23",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC23",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "4"
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC23",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "5"
            },
            {
                "id": "6",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC23",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "6"
            },
            {
                "id": "7",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC23",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "7"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 2000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "method": "withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "The framework will operate on a ranked basis per Lot"
            }
        },
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://www.open-org.uk",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-04T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-07-24T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Strategy and Planning",
                "description": "Integrated marketing and communications strategies, translating the strategy into, and producing, actionable, effective, cost efficient and measurable communications plans across all relevant channels, including online, offline, owned and earned, as well as paid-for media and brand development",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 285714,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Design",
                "description": "Full design service across all types of projects.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 285714,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Photography",
                "description": "Development and production services on a standalone basis.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 285714,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "title": "Video",
                "description": "Development and production services on a standalone basis",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 285714,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "title": "Media Buying",
                "description": "Advising on targeted paid for marketing and can provide all media buying services for the Councils communications campaigns.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 285714,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "6",
                "title": "Specialist Consultancy Services",
                "description": "New and innovative communications ideas and consultancy on specific subjects.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 285714,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "7",
                "title": "Web and Digital",
                "description": "Online copywriting, SEO optimisation, digital strategy and planning, digital marketing implementation",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 285714,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "042178-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042178-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-07T17:28:38+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}