Award

Strategic Marketing and Communications

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

04 Nov 2025 at 00:00

Tender

28 May 2025 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh, a body governed by public law and a notable institution in the education sector, is currently in the tender stage of its procurement process for Strategic Marketing and Communications services. This contract, valued at £1.4 million, is structured under an open procurement method, inviting electronic submissions by 1st July 2025. Geographically, the contract is focused on the UKM75 region, primarily aiming to secure services that amplify the University's brand visibility and streamline communications for its Accommodation, Catering, and Events (ACE) department. Key lots within the tender include Paid Advertising and Digital Strategy, Public Relations, and Branding & Design, each designed to boost the institution's commercial success through expert partnerships.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for businesses looking to expand their footprint in the strategic marketing and communications sector, particularly those specialising in digital advertising, public relations, and design services. Companies capable of improving brand visibility, enhancing audience engagement, and driving conversions through creative and effective strategies are well-suited to compete. The emphasis on community benefits and the potential for contract period extensions provide additional value for businesses seeking long-term partnerships with a prestigious client such as the University of Edinburgh, making it an attractive prospect for growth-oriented agencies.

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Notice Title

Strategic Marketing and Communications

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh's Accommodation, Catering & Events (ACE) department is seeking to establish a contract for its commercial marketing and communications services. This initiative originally aimed to appoint external agencies across three key lots: Paid Advertising and Digital Strategy, Public Relations and Branding & Design, however the former was cancelled during the tender process. By securing expert partners, ACE will enhance brand visibility, streamline communications, and drive commercial success across its portfolio, including The University's year-round hotels, summer accommodation, highland lodges, event services, catering outlets and hospitality services.

Lot Information

Branding and Design

This lot will focus on the creation, development, and execution of the University's commercial branding and design materials to ensure a consistent and impactful visual identity across all commercial initiatives.

Options: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Renewal: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Paid Digital Advertising and Digital Strategy

The appointed supplier will be responsible for planning, buying, and optimising paid social media/Google campaigns across relevant platforms to drive engagement, brand awareness, and conversions for Accommodation, Catering and Events.. This lot was cancelled during the tender process and no award was made.

Options: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Renewal: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Public Relations

This lot encompasses the development and execution of public relations strategies tailored to the tourism and hospitality sector, with a focus on media outreach, brand partnerships, community engagement, and creating strong relationships with local, national, and international media. The goal is to raise the University's profile within the commercial hospitality space, boost its reputation, and drive engagement from key audiences, including potential guests and industry stakeholders.

Options: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Renewal: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000797930
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=NOV542675
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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

79340000 - Advertising and marketing services

79341000 - Advertising services

79341100 - Advertising consultancy services

79341200 - Advertising management services

79341400 - Advertising campaign services

79342000 - Marketing services

79416000 - Public relations services

79416100 - Public relations management services

79416200 - Public relations consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,400,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,400,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
1 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Oct 20253 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Unsuccessful
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Elliot Freeman
Contact Email
elliot.freeman@ed.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1316502759

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

FRAME

WE ARE SEVENTHREE

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY531198
    Strategic Marketing and Communications - The University of Edinburgh's Accommodation, Catering & Events (ACE) department is seeking to establish a contract for its commercial marketing and communications services. This initiative aims to appoint external agencies across three key lots: Paid Advertising and Digital Strategy, Public Relations and Branding & Design. By securing expert partners, ACE will enhance brand visibility, streamline communications, and drive commercial success across its portfolio, including The University's year-round hotels, summer accommodation, highland lodges, event services, catering outlets and hospitality services.
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=NOV542675
    Strategic Marketing and Communications - The University of Edinburgh's Accommodation, Catering & Events (ACE) department is seeking to establish a contract for its commercial marketing and communications services. This initiative originally aimed to appoint external agencies across three key lots: Paid Advertising and Digital Strategy, Public Relations and Branding & Design, however the former was cancelled during the tender process. By securing expert partners, ACE will enhance brand visibility, streamline communications, and drive commercial success across its portfolio, including The University's year-round hotels, summer accommodation, highland lodges, event services, catering outlets and hospitality services.

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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