Travel Wales by TfW: Retail, Marketplace and Licensing Ecosystem / Teithio Cymru gan TrC: Manwerthu, Y Farchnad ac Ecosystem Trwyddedu

Transport for Wales

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

28 Oct 2026 at 09:42

PlanningUpdate

28 Oct 2026 at 08:56

Planning

14 Oct 2026 at 16:21

Summary of the contracting process

Transport for Wales (TfW) is exploring a phased Travel Wales retail, online marketplace and brand-licensing ecosystem to generate income beyond fares, strengthen the Travel Wales brand and engage customers. Possible work spans customer research and proposition design; retail strategy and product sourcing; ecommerce, payment services and systems integration; retail operations, warehousing, fulfilment, delivery, returns and customer service; marketing and analytics; station, event and pop-up retail; tourism products; seller onboarding and marketplace governance; partnerships and sponsorship; and intellectual property management, licensing and royalties. The initial concept is a managed retail, ecommerce and fulfilment service, potentially expanding to Welsh suppliers and tourism businesses, then to licensing and partnerships if viable. Delivery would relate to Transport for Wales’ services across the United Kingdom, with the buyer based in Pontypridd, Wales.

This is preliminary market engagement at the planning stage, not a tender or commitment to procure. TfW is seeking evidence and feedback to shape its business case, customer proposition, operating and commercial models, technology, investment assumptions and any future procurement. Interested organisations are invited to complete a market questionnaire by 10:00 on 16 November 2026. TfW intends to hold a cross-sector focus group in Pontypridd on 1 December 2026, with confidential one-to-one discussions potentially taking place in January 2027. The anticipated future notice date is 1 February 2027. The indicative contract period is 19 April 2027 to 19 April 2030, with a possible extension to 19 April 2032. The estimated value is £100,000 excluding VAT (£120,000 including VAT). The planned procurement is one lot, and the expected procedure and evaluation basis have not been established through this engagement.

The engagement is relevant to suppliers with experience in retail, ecommerce, marketplace operations, licensing, fulfilment, tourism or customer insight. TfW welcomes small and medium-sized businesses, Welsh businesses, voluntary, community and social enterprises, specialist providers, new entrants, consortium members and potential subcontractors; the planned work is marked as suitable for SMEs and VCSEs. Capabilities that may be relevant include customer and demand research, retail and product development, ecommerce platforms, payments and systems integration, warehousing and delivery, marketing and analytics, seller onboarding, tourism products, intellectual property and licensing. The buyer is testing a phased model, from managed retail and fulfilment through marketplace participation to potential brand commercialisation. It is seeking evidence-based insight on operating and commercial models, technology, investment, revenue, risk, Welsh supplier participation and procurement packaging. Engagement participation will not confer an advantage in any later procurement.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Travel Wales by TfW: Retail, Marketplace and Licensing Ecosystem / Teithio Cymru gan TrC: Manwerthu, Y Farchnad ac Ecosystem Trwyddedu

Notice Description

Transport for Wales (TfW) is exploring the development of a phased Travel Wales retail, marketplace and licensing ecosystem. The ambition is to create a commercially sustainable proposition that generates non-farebox revenue, strengthens the Travel Wales brand, enhances customer engagement, and creates opportunities for Welsh businesses, tourism partners and other organisations. The potential scope may include: * customer research, proposition development and demand validation; * retail strategy, product sourcing and product development; * ecommerce platform provision, payment services and systems integration; * retail operations, warehousing, fulfilment, delivery, returns and customer service; * marketing, content, customer engagement and performance analytics; * station, event and pop-up retail opportunities; * tourism, destination and experience-led products and services; * marketplace capability, seller onboarding and marketplace governance; * strategic partnerships, brand collaborations and sponsorship opportunities; * intellectual property management, licensing and royalty-based commercial opportunities. Potential phased approach Phase 1: Establish the Core Proposition Development and operation of a managed retail, ecommerce and fulfilment service, with TfW retaining appropriate control of brand strategy, intellectual property, customer data and commercial governance. Phase 2: Expand Participation Subject to demand and operational maturity, introduce marketplace capability to enable Welsh suppliers, tourism businesses and selected third parties to participate in the Travel Wales ecosystem. Phase 3: Commercialise the Brand Subject to market viability, explore licensing, royalty opportunities and strategic commercial partnerships. This phased approach is an initial hypothesis for market testing and does not represent TfW's final operating model, commercial strategy, procurement approach or contractual structure. Areas for Market Feedback TfW has not yet determined: * the final customer proposition, target audiences, or initial product and service portfolio; * likely demand, revenue potential or investment requirements; * the preferred operating, commercial and technology model; * the allocation of demand, inventory, investment and delivery risk; * the timing, viability and structure of any marketplace or licensing capability; or * whether delivery would be through a single partner, consortium, prime contractor model, specialist appointments or a phased approach. The purpose of this preliminary market engagement is to test assumptions, obtain market evidence and gather feedback before determining whether and how TfW may proceed. Any future procurement, scope, delivery model, contract structure, value or timetable remains indicative and subject to change. TfW reserves the right not to proceed with any subsequent procurement. ************************************************************************************ Mae Trafnidiaeth Cymru (TrC) yn archwilio'r posibiliad o ddatblygu ecosystem manwerthu, y farchnad a thrwyddedu Teithio Cymru fesul cam. Yr uchelgais yw creu cynnig sy'n fasnachol gynaliadwy sy'n cynhyrchu refeniw nad yw'n deillio o elw o werthu tocynnau, yn cryfhau brand Teithio Cymru, yn gwella ymgysylltiad cwsmeriaid, ac yn creu cyfleoedd i fusnesau, partneriaid twristiaeth a sefydliadau eraill yng Nghymru. Gall y posibiliadau gynnwys: * cynnal ymchwil i gwsmeriaid, datblygu cynigion a dilysu galw; * strategaeth adwerthu, cyrchu cynnyrch a datblygu cynnyrch; * darparu platfform e-fasnach, gwasanaethau talu ac integreiddio systemau; * gweithrediadau manwerthu, warysau, cyflawni, dosbarthu, ffurflenni a gwasanaeth cwsmeriaid; * marchnata, cynnwys, ymgysylltu a chwsmeriaid a dadansoddi perfformiad; * cyfleoedd ar gyfer manwerthu mewn gorsafoedd, digwyddiadau a stondinau codi; * cynhyrchion a gwasanaethau a arweinir gan dwristiaeth, cyrchfannau a phrofiadau; * gallu'r farchnad, rhoi gwerthwr ar ben ffordd a llywodraethu marchnad; * partneriaethau strategol, cydweithredu a brandiau a chyfleoedd noddi; * rheoli eiddo deallusol, trwyddedu a chreu cyfleoedd masnachol yn seiliedig ar freindaliadau. Dull gweithredu graddol posibl Cam 1: Sefydlu'r Cynnig Craidd Datblygu a gweithredu gwasanaeth manwerthu, e-fasnach a chyflawni a reolir, gyda TrC yn cadw rheolaeth briodol ar strategaeth brand, eiddo deallusol, data cwsmeriaid a llywodraethu masnachol. Cam 2: Ehangu Cyfranogiad Yn amodol ar alw ac aeddfedrwydd gweithredol, cyflwyno gallu'r farchnad i alluogi cyflenwyr Cymru, busnesau twristiaeth a thrydydd parti a ddewisir i gymryd rhan yn ecosystem Teithio Cymru. Cam 3: Masnacheiddio'r Brand Yn amodol ar hyfywedd y farchnad, archwilio trwyddedu, cyfleoedd breindal a phartneriaethau masnachol strategol. Mae'r dull graddol hwn yn rhagdybiaeth gychwynnol ar gyfer profi'r farchnad ac nid yw'n cynrychioli model gweithredu terfynol TrC, strategaeth fasnachol, dull caffael na strwythur cytundebol. Meysydd ar gyfer Adborth gan y Farchnad Mae TrC eto i benderfynu ar y canlynol: * y cynnig terfynol i gwsmeriaid, cynulleidfaoedd targed, y portffolio cynnyrch a'r gwasanaeth cychwynnol; * galw tebygol, potensial refeniw neu ofynion buddsoddi; * y model gweithredol, masnachol a thechnolegol a ffafrir; * dyrannu risg galw, rhestr eiddo, buddsoddi a chyflawni; * amseru, hyfywedd a strwythur unrhyw farchnad neu allu trwyddedu; neu * a fyddai'r ddarpariaeth yn cael ei chyflawni drwy un partner, ar ffurf consortiwm, drwy fodel prif gontractwr, apwyntiadau arbenigol neu ddull graddol. Pwrpas yr ymgysylltiad rhagarweiniol hwn a'r farchnad yw profi rhagdybiaethau, cael tystiolaeth o'r farchnad a chasglu adborth cyn bod TrC yn penderfynu sut i symud ymlaen. Mae unrhyw waith caffael, sgop, model cyflenwi, strwythur contractau, gwerth neu amserlen yn y dyfodol yn parhau i fod yn un enghreifftiol yn unig ac yn destun newid. Mae TrC yn cadw'r hawl i beidio a bwrw ymlaen ag unrhyw waith caffael dilynol.

Planning Information

Transport for Wales is undertaking preliminary market engagement to test the proposed Travel Wales retail, marketplace and licensing ecosystem. The engagement will help inform the customer proposition, operating and commercial models, technology approach, marketplace and licensing opportunities, investment assumptions, procurement strategy and any future route to market. 1. Expression of Interest and Market Questionnaire Interested organisations are invited to complete a short questionnaire covering: • relevant experience and organisational capability; • customer proposition and demand validation; • operating, commercial and delivery models; • technology, marketplace and licensing considerations; • investment, revenue, risk and intellectual property; • opportunities for Welsh businesses and responsible delivery; and • views on procurement packaging and market structure. Questionnaire: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/iS7zy6Kc34 Responses should be submitted by 10:00 on 16 November 2026. Respondents are encouraged to provide evidence-based insights, lessons learned and constructive challenge rather than marketing material or sales proposals. 2. Cross-Sector Focus Group TfW intends to hold a facilitated focus group with approximately 6-8 organisations representing areas such as retail, ecommerce, marketplace operations, licensing, fulfilment, tourism and customer insight. The session will explore: • customer, product and channel priorities; • the proposed phased approach; • operating and commercial models; • investment, revenue and risk allocation; • technology, data and integration; • marketplace and licensing readiness; • Welsh supplier participation; and • procurement and delivery options. Date: 1st December 2026 Time: 09:30-14:30 Location: TfW, 3 Llys Cadwyn, Taff Street, Pontypridd, CF37 4TH Focus group participation is for market engagement purposes only and will not form part of any procurement evaluation. Supplier-specific pricing, margins or commercially sensitive information will not be discussed. 3. Confidential One-to-One Discussions TfW may invite selected organisations to participate in confidential one-to-one discussions to explore market capability, operating models, technology, investment considerations, risks and lessons learned in greater detail. Indicative period: January 2027. Participation in a one-to-one discussion will not provide any advantage in any future procurement. Focus Group Selection Where demand exceeds available places, TfW may select participants based on: • relevance of experience; • quality of evidence and market insight offered; and • suitability of the proposed attendee. TfW may also seek to achieve a balanced mix of capabilities, market perspectives and organisation types. Organisations not selected for the focus group may still be invited to provide additional written feedback or participate in one-to-one discussions. Fairness and Confidentiality TfW will provide all participants with access to the same core information and will maintain records of engagement activities. Information gathered may be used to inform the business case, operating model, commercial strategy, procurement approach, specification and contractual arrangements for any future opportunity. Respondents should clearly identify any information considered commercially confidential. TfW may publish anonymised or aggregated findings and may incorporate relevant insights into future procurement documentation to ensure transparency and equal treatment. Status of this Notice This notice relates solely to preliminary market engagement and does not constitute a call for competition, tender notice, pre-qualification process or commitment to undertake a future procurement. TfW reserves the right to amend, refine, reduce, expand, phase or discontinue the opportunity following engagement. Participation or non-participation will not provide an advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement. Participation TfW welcomes responses from: • SMEs; • Welsh businesses; • VCSEs; • specialist providers; • new market entrants; • consortium members; and • potential subcontractors. The written engagement is open to all interested organisations. ************************************************************************************ Mae Trafnidiaeth Cymru yn ymgymryd ag ymgysylltiad rhagarweiniol â'r farchnad i brofi ecosystem manwerthu, marchnad a thrwyddedu arfaethedig Teithio Cymru. Bydd yr ymgysylltiad yn helpu i lywio'r cynnig i gwsmeriaid, modelau gweithredol a masnachol, dulliau technolegol, cyfleoedd yn y farchnad a thrwyddedu, rhagdybiaethau o ran buddsoddi, strategaeth gaffael ac unrhyw lwybr i'r farchnad yn y dyfodol. 1. Mynegi Diddordeb a Holiadur ar gyfer y Farchnad Gwahoddir sefydliadau sydd â diddordeb i gwblhau holiadur byr sy'n trafod: profiad perthnasol a gallu sefydliadol; cynnig cwsmeriaid a dilysu galw; modelau gweithredu, masnachol a chyflenwi; ystyriaethau technolegol, y farchnad a thrwyddedu; buddsoddi, refeniw, risg ac eiddo deallusol; cyfleoedd i fusnesau yng Nghymru a chyflawni mewn dull cyfrifol; a safbwyntiau ar becynnu caffael a strwythur y farchnad. Holiadur: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/6ip1UuhYe4 Dylid cyflwyno ymatebion i erbyn 10:00 ar 16 Tachwedd 2026. Anogir ymatebwyr i ddarparu mewnwelediadau ar sail tystiolaeth, gwersi a ddysgwyd a her adeiladol yn hytrach na deunyddiau a gafodd eu marchnata neu gynigion gwerthu. 2. Grŵp Ffocws Traws-sector Mae TrC yn bwriadu llunio grŵp ffocws gyda thua 6-8 sefydliad fydd yn cynrychioli meysydd fel manwerthu, e-fasnach, gweithrediadau yn y farchnad, trwyddedu, cyflawni, twristiaeth a mewnwelediad i gwsmeriaid. Yn y sesiynau, bydd y canlynol yn cael eu trafod: blaenoriaethau cwsmeriaid, cynnyrch a sianel; dull gweithredu cam wrth gam arfaethedig; modelau gweithredol a rhai masnachol; buddsoddi, refeniw a dyrannu risg; technoleg, data ac integreiddio; marchnad a pharodrwydd i drwyddedu; Cyfranogiad cyflenwyr yng Nghymru; ac opsiynau prynu a chyflenwi. Dyddiad: 1 Rhagfyr 2026 Amser: 09:30-14:30 Lleoliad: TrC, 3 Llys Cadwyn, Stryd y Taf, Pontypridd, CF37 4ydd Ystyrir cyfranogiad grwpiau ffocws at ddibenion ymgysylltu â'r farchnad yn unig ac ni fydd yn ffurfio rhan o unrhyw werthusiad caffael. Ni chaiff prisiau, elw neu wybodaeth fasnachol sensitif ei drafod. 3. Trafodaethau Cyfrinachol Wyneb yn Wyneb Gall TrC wahodd sefydliadau dethol i gymryd rhan mewn trafodaethau cyfrinachol un i un i archwilio gallu'r farchnad, modelau gweithredu, technoleg, ystyriaethau buddsoddi, risgiau a gwersi a ddysgwyd yn fanylach. Y cyfnod gwaith posibl: Ionawr 2027. Ni fydd cymryd rhan mewn trafodaeth wyneb yn wyneb yn rhoi unrhyw fantais i unrhyw broses gaffael yn y dyfodol. Dewis Grŵp Ffocws Lle bo mwy o alw na'r lleoedd sydd ar gael ar y grŵp, gall TrC ddewis cyfranogwyr yn seiliedig ar: profiad; ansawdd y dystiolaeth a'r mewnwelediad i'r farchnad a gynigir; ac addasrwydd yr aelod arfaethedig. Efallai y bydd TrC hefyd yn ceisio sicrhau cymysgedd cytbwys o alluoedd, safbwyntiau o'r farchnad a mathau o sefydliadau. Efallai y bydd sefydliadau nad ydynt wedi'u dewis ar gyfer y grŵp ffocws yn dal i gael eu gwahodd i ddarparu adborth ysgrifenedig ychwanegol neu gymryd rhan mewn trafodaethau wyneb yn wyneb. Tegwch a Chyfrinachedd Bydd TrC yn rhoi mynediad i'r holl gyfranogwyr at yr un wybodaeth graidd a bydd yn cynnal cofnodion o weithgareddau ymgysylltu. Gellir defnyddio gwybodaeth a gesglir i lywio'r achos busnes, y model gweithredu, strategaeth fasnachol, dull caffael, manyleb a threfniadau cytundebol ar gyfer unrhyw gyfle yn y dyfodol. Dylai ymatebwyr nodi'n glir unrhyw wybodaeth a ystyrir ei fod yn fasnachol gyfrinachol. Gall TrC gyhoeddi canfyddiadau dienw neu gyfunol a gall ymgorffori mewnwelediadau perthnasol i ddogfennau caffael yn y dyfodol i sicrhau tryloywder a thriniaeth gyfartal. Statws yr Hysbysiad hwn Mae'r hysbysiad hwn yn ymwneud ag ymgysylltu rhagarweiniol â'r farchnad yn unig ac nid yw'n golygu'r un peth â galwad am gystadleuaeth, hysbysiad tendro, proses cyn cymhwyso nac ymrwymiad i ymgymryd â chaffael yn y dyfodol. Mae TrC yn cadw'r hawl i ddiwygio, mireinio, lleihau, ehangu, ei roi ar waith gam wrth gam neu derfynu'r cyfle yn dilyn y cyfnod ymgysylltu. Ni fydd cymryd rhan neu beidio â chymryd rhan o fantais nac o anfantais mewn i unrhyw broses gaffael yn y dyfodol. Cymryd rhan Mae TrC yn croesawu ymatebion gan: BBaChau; Busnesau Cymru; Mentrau gwirfoddol, cymunedol neu gymdeithasol; darparwyr arbenigol; cwmnïau sy'n newydd i'r farchnad; aelodau consortiwm; ac isgontractwyr posibl. Mae'r ymgysylltiad ysgrifenedig yn agored i bob sefydliad sydd â diddordeb.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0787ed
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/101865-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

64 - Postal and telecommunications services

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

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


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

63120000 - Storage and warehousing services

64121100 - Mail delivery services

72212211 - Platform interconnectivity software development services

72222000 - Information systems or technology strategic review and planning services

72222300 - Information technology services

72227000 - Software integration consultancy services

73210000 - Research consultancy services

79120000 - Patent and copyright consultancy services

79310000 - Market research services

79342000 - Marketing services

79411100 - Business development consultancy services

79415200 - Design consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£100,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Oct 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Feb 20273 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
19 Apr 2027 - 19 Apr 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Transport for Wales
Additional Buyers

Transport for Wales Rail Limited (Utility Buyer)

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PONTYPRIDD
Postcode
CF37 4TH
Postcode Area
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL51 Central Valleys and Bridgend
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Electoral Ward
Pontypridd Town
Westminster Constituency
Pontypridd

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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