This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

30 Jun 2026 at 09:24

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Buckinghamshire New University involves the renewal of its existing Unit4 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. This initiative, classified under the software package and information systems industry category, underscores the university's reliance on the application for maintaining operational efficiency. Situated in High Wycombe, the university has contracted UNIT4 BUSINESS SOFTWARE LIMITED, based in London, for an extension of services. The procurement process is presently in the Award stage, and the contract is slated to begin on 1st September 2026, ending by 31st August 2031. This direct award is justified by the continuity and critical nature of the ERP system to the university's financial operations, and it circumvents the need for a potential disruptive change in suppliers.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities, especially for firms specialising in ERP solutions and systems integration. While the direct award limits open competition, businesses that offer complementary services to the Unit4 ERP system could benefit by positioning themselves as key service support or enhancement providers. SMEs and IT consultancy firms with expertise in ERP systems, particularly those familiar with the academe sector's requirements, would be well-suited to explore collaboration opportunities or subcontracting roles that align with this procurement. Potential business growth could emerge from ancillary support roles as the university is committed to maintaining a stable and efficient operational infrastructure.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Unit4 Enterprise Resource Planning

Notice Description

Buckinghamshire New University ("University") has been using the Unit4 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software since 2017 with the technology now profoundly integrated and pivotal to the financial operations of the University . This renewal will ensure continuity of services, access to support which is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency.

Procurement Information

The University's intention is to award a direct award contract to Unit4 Business Software Limited for ongoing use of Unit4 Enterprise Resource Planning Solution including the support and maintenance of this existing ERP System. The award of the contract is permitted in accordance with Section 41 and Paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023 on the basis that: (a) Additional or repeat services; The public contract concerns the supply of services by the existing supplier which are intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing services in circumstances where- (a) a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving services that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing services, and (b) the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance. Of particular note: The University has used the Unit4 ERP since 2017. The continuity of this ERP is business-critical to the University and the renewal of the Unit4 ERP is essential for operations. The University does not currently have the resources to undertake the implementation of a new ERP system due to several existing, business critical IT projects. Unit4 ERP is considered to be a stable platform and therefore is a low priority for limited IT resource at this time. The cost of change would be very high given the impact on the members of staff. In addition, a 12 month+ implementation period with considerable consultancy cost and retraining is not economically viable at this moment in time. For these reasons the University has decided to re-contract with Unit4 for a further five years for the ERP system.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06bfc6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/061078-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,539,331 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW 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
HIGH WYCOMBE
Postcode
HP11 2JZ
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Abbey
Westminster Constituency
Wycombe

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UNIT4 BUSINESS SOFTWARE

Further Information

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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