Strategic Marketing and Communications

A Contract Award Notice
by UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Contract (Services)
Duration
23.5 month (est.)
Value
£800K
Sector
PROFESSIONAL
Published
04 Nov 2025
Delivery
To 25 Oct 2027 (est.)
Deadline
n/a

Related Terms

Location

Edinburgh

Geochart for 2 buyers and 3 suppliers

2 buyers

3 suppliers

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 Division

1 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.
2 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.
3 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.

Award Detail

1 Unnamed (None)
  • Paid Digital Advertising and Digital Strategy
  • CONTRACT NOT AWARDED – PROCUREMENT DISCONTINUED.
2 Frame (Glasgow)
  • Public Relations
  • Num offers: 12
  • Value: £400,000
  • Contractor is an SME.
3 We are Seventhree (Edinburgh)
  • Branding and Design
  • Num offers: 18
  • Value: £400,000
  • Contractor is an SME.

Renewal Options

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

Award Criteria

Technical 60.0
PRICE 40.0

CPV Codes

  • 79342000 - Marketing services
  • 79416000 - Public relations services
  • 79416100 - Public relations management services
  • 79416200 - Public relations consultancy services
  • 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
  • 79341000 - Advertising services
  • 79341100 - Advertising consultancy services
  • 79341200 - Advertising management services
  • 79341400 - Advertising campaign services

Indicators

  • Options are available.
  • Award on basis of price.

Other Information

Lot 1 was cancelled as it was determined that the specification for this lot did not adequately capture the unique requirements of the University's Accommodation, Catering and Events department. Therefore, the decision was made to not progress this lot any further in this tender. (SC Ref:812513)

Reference

  • FTS 070726-2025

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