Award

Engagement and Marketing Activities

THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

28 May 2026 at 15:41

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

28 May 2026 at 15:31

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Kent, located in Canterbury, has concluded a direct award contract for "Engagement and Marketing Activities" within the services category, with HYBRID NEWS LIMITED as the supplier. This procurement process, valuing £1,500,000 (excluding VAT), was aimed at hiring a strategic media agency partner to enhance the University's recruitment cycle through integrated marketing services. The contract, specifically targeting UK regions within a single lot, has been awarded and will be active from 9th June 2026 to 30th April 2027. This procurement aligns with the UK's legislation under the legal basis 2023/54. The award was completed on 28th May 2026 following a direct award method due to pre-existing supplier arrangements that provide consistency and allow a swift and integrated strategic marketing approach.

This tender presents substantial business opportunities, particularly for SMEs specialising in marketing management consultancy services. By securing this contract, HYBRID NEWS LIMITED will deliver a comprehensive suite of marketing, planning, and optimisation services, thus expanding their portfolio and influence in the public sector market. Businesses equipped to provide integrated media planning services with experience in target-driven recruitment campaigns stand to gain significantly by leveraging their expertise to meet the University's specific requirements and performance goals, thereby paving the way for sustained growth and new client acquisition opportunities in the educational sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Engagement and Marketing Activities

Notice Description

The University of Kent seeks approval to appoint a single strategic media agency partner to deliver an integrated programme of search and social activity, media planning, marketing optimisation, and insight services to support Clearing and in-cycle recruitment activity. The contract will run from mid/end April through to the end of April, covering the full recruitment cycle including Clearing, ECD deadlines, and the lates period. Total contract value is PS1,500,000 (ex VAT)

Procurement Information

A need to consolidate digital marketing suppliers and to pivot marketing strategy following external factors impacting recruitment numbers. A need to move quickly and decisively, with a supplier already in place for consistency of approach. To provide services related to Clearing Activities. The University of Kent reviewed the performance of its current media operating model, which involves working with two separate agencies across recruitment and brand campaigns. Analysis of recent cycles and campaign data shows that this dual agency approach was no longer delivering the level of integration, agility, or performance required to meet increasingly challenging recruitment targets. Fragmentation across planning, optimisation, and reporting has limited our ability to respond quickly to market shifts and to maximise the impact of our investment.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06a818
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050513-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
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

79413000 - Marketing management consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 May 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
8 Jun 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

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

Buyer Location

Locality
CANTERBURY
Postcode
CT2 7NZ
Post Town
Canterbury
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ44 East Kent
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Canterbury
Electoral Ward
Blean Forest
Westminster Constituency
Canterbury

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

HYBRID NEWS

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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