---
title: "Provision of Catering Services"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "THE OPEN UNIVERSITY"
published: "2025-08-07"
---

# Provision of Catering Services

Buyer: THE OPEN UNIVERSITY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1

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## Summary

The Open University, based in Milton Keynes, has awarded a direct contract for the provision of catering services to BaxterStorey Limited. This procurement process, classified within the services industry category, involves the awarding stage with a pending status as of 7th August 2025. The contract encompasses catering services specifically at the Walton Hall Campus and is set to commence on 21st November 2026, concluding on 31st January 2028. The procurement was conducted through a direct award method, primarily due to the evolving organisational changes and hybrid working patterns triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to the necessity to extend the existing contract to reassess future needs and ensure strategic alignment.

This opportunity represents a significant contract for large-scale catering businesses capable of adapting to changing service requirements at The Open University's campus. Companies focusing on providing innovative and flexible catering solutions may find substantial growth potential by aligning with the university's evolving organisational practices. The contract is notable for its potential to influence long-term service delivery strategies within the educational sector, making it an attractive proposition for businesses looking to expand their presence within academic environments.

## Notice

Catering services to The OU Walton Hall Campus based in Milton Keynes.

### Procurement Information

The contract between The Open University and BaxterStorey Limited commenced in 20th November 2019, coinciding with the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented event significantly impacted operations and prevented the contract from being implemented as originally envisaged. These circumstances were beyond the control of both the University and the contractor. Since the award of the contract, The Open University has undertaken substantial organisational change, including the conclusion of its 'New Ways of Working' project and the formalisation of hybrid working practices. This shift has led to a sustained reduction in daily campus attendance. Given the current period of transformation and uncertainty surrounding the future scope of catering requirements, the University finds it appropriate to extend the current catering contract to 31 January 2028. This extension will allow adequate time for the University to clarify future service needs and ensure alignment with its strategic objectives.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047024-2025 |
| Notice type | UK5 - Transparency Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Direct award |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 7 Aug 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 7 Aug 2025 |
| Contract period | 21 Nov 2026 - 31 Jan 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £784,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Pending |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | THE OPEN UNIVERSITY |
| Locality | MILTON KEYNES |
| Post town | Milton Keynes |
| Postcode | MK7 6AA |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLJ12 Milton Keynes |
| Local authority | Milton Keynes |
| Electoral ward | Monkston |
| Westminster constituency | Milton Keynes Central |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | BAXTERSTOREY |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

### Codes

- 55520000 - Catering services

## Release History

- 7 Aug 2025 at 15:07 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047024-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047024-2025
  7th August 2025 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://baxterstorey.com/
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1.json.