Official UK procurement notice
National Gallery Events Supplier Framework
Authority: The National Gallery
The National Gallery wishes to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of Event Services for events held across Gallery sites. The Framework will consist of 5 lots, namely: Catering; Floristry; Production; Furniture; Entertainment. Suppliers must demonstrate the resources, expertise and operational capability to meet the demands of a unique public building and a wide range of clients and event formats. Appointments are made directly by the client, and inclusion does not guarantee any minimum level of work, either directly from the Gallery or from clients. Published lot titles: Caterers; Floristry; Production; Furniture Hire; Entertainment.
What is being bought5 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionThe National Gallery wishes to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of Event Services for events held across Gallery sites. The Framework will consist of 5 lots, namely: Catering; Floristry; Production; Furniture; Entertainment
The Gallery's ambitious and evolving events programme ranges from intimate receptions and dinners to exhibition openings, film screenings, experiential events, major brand activations and exclusive Gallery takeovers. Events can accommodate up to 2,000 guests, with multiple events taking place simultaneously.
Every event should contribute positively to the Gallery's reputation, deliver exceptional guest experiences, broaden audience engagement and generate vital income in support of the Gallery's charitable and cultural objectives.
The Framework is intended for experienced suppliers with a proven track record of delivering high-quality events in prestigious, heritage, cultural or similarly complex venues. Suppliers must demonstrate the resources, expertise and operational capability to meet the demands of a unique public building and a wide range of clients and event formats.
We are seeking creative, forward-thinking partners who bring fresh ideas and develop imaginative, practical and commercially viable solutions that enhance the Gallery's events offer and guest experience
The Approved Supplier List supports external clients including Corporate Members and Sponsors, Venue Hire Clients and Donors. Appointments are made directly by the client, and inclusion does not guarantee any minimum level of work, either directly from the Gallery or from clients. A 10% commission is payable to the Gallery on contracts awarded through the Approved Supplier List.
This Framework Agreement will operate for a period of four years. Note that the values for each Lot are estimates only and actuals may vary; these estimates include spend by external clients as well as Gallery spend.
- Two-stage procedure: 15 to 18 candidates will be invited to tender.
- The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 1 Nov 2030, 23:59 GMT.
- How the procedure runs: Suppliers will be down-selected following assessment of request to participate documentation (procurement specific questionnaire supported by client testimonials) Tender evaluation criteria, sub criteria and weightings will be confirmed with the invited suppliers Selection of suppliers will be following assessment of responses, and includes practical assessment stage for Lot 1 and Lot 3 suppliers (tasting and/or attending event set-up)
CPV: Audio-visual equipment · Catering services · Entertainment services · Event services · Floral-display services · Miscellaneous furniture
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Places
- up to 35 suppliers
- Framework period
- 4 yrs from 1 Jun 2027
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
- 10% of call-off value · Suppliers will pay 10% commission on contracts with venue hire client
Published description of the framework
Suppliers will provide indicative rates during the tender process. Call-offs can be made following further competition or direct award
Lots and requirements (5)Procurement structure
5 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lotLot #1CaterersPublished value£15,500,000
The Gallery requires suppliers who provide event catering services, capable of adapting to a wide range of client expectations, budgets and event formats, providing creative, practical and commercially viable solutions that uphold the Gallery's standards and reputation.
All caterers appointed to the framework must deliver both food and beverage experiences of the highest standard, demonstrating excellence in both quality and presentation. Suppliers should prioritise responsibly and sustainably sourced produce and maintain full compliance with all applicable food safety legislation, standards and best practice throughout the supply chain and event delivery process.
- Economic & financial standing
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Technical & professional ability
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Condition of participationshortlisting
top scoring suppliers following assessment of the procurement specific questionnaire
Lot #2FloristryPublished value£1,220,000
The suppliers shall provide a range of floristry services to the Gallery for events. The floral displays supplied shall be of an exceptionally high standard and reflect the Gallery's reputation as one of the most important galleries in the world.
Moving floral display within a building of significant national importance and priceless paintings requires suppliers to have and maintain appropriate resources to enable the movement and assembly of in accordance with the Gallery's strict policies and procedures without exception.
- Economic & financial standing
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Technical & professional ability
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Condition of participationshortlisting
top scoring suppliers following assessment of the procurement specific questionnaire
Lot #3ProductionPublished value£5,200,000
The suppliers shall provide a range of technical services to the Gallery, which shall include some or all of: lighting, audio, video, rigging and staging, project management. The suppliers shall have access to a suitable range of products, either as their own stock or via sub-contracted rental. The suppliers shall ensure that all products meet the necessary safety standards for use, and are appropriately maintained.
- Economic & financial standing
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Technical & professional ability
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Condition of participationshortlisting
top scoring suppliers following assessment of the procurement specific questionnaire
Lot #4Furniture HirePublished value£450,000
The Gallery requires suppliers to provide a range of event furniture, capable of adapting to a wide range of client expectations, budgets and event formats, providing creative, practical and commercially viable solutions that uphold the Gallery's standards and reputation. The stock supplied shall be of an appropriate standard and reflect the Gallery's reputation as one of the most important galleries in the world.
Moving furniture and setting up décor within a building of significant national importance and priceless paintings requires suppliers to have and maintain appropriate resources to enable the movement and assembly of in accordance with the Gallery's policies and procedures. Staffing levels must be appropriate to the service provided and to enable the quick, efficient and safe installation of the furniture required for the event.
- Economic & financial standing
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Technical & professional ability
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Condition of participationshortlisting
top scoring suppliers following assessment of the procurement specific questionnaire
Lot #5EntertainmentPublished value£350,000
The Gallery requires a range of entertainment options for private and corporate client events as well as to make use of for our own events. The suppliers must be able to respond to a range of briefs and budgets, providing entertainment that is befitting of the Gallery's unique and historic venue. With a 2am licence, often entertainment can run late into the night and the suppliers must be able to provide and manage appropriate levels of staff during the event, maintaining consistently high levels of service throughout.
- Economic & financial standing
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Technical & professional ability
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Condition of participationshortlisting
top scoring suppliers following assessment of the procurement specific questionnaire
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
- Economic & financial standing
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Technical & professional ability
as set out in procurement specific questionnaire
- Condition of participationshortlisting
top scoring suppliers following assessment of the procurement specific questionnaire
- “National Gallery Events Supplier Framework” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 35 suppliers, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.
Competition analysis · published record, not a forecast of who will bid
How The National Gallery buys Exhibition, fair and congress organisation services (CPV 7995), and who usually turns up
The National Gallery has little published record in this market. Compared with other frameworks and DPS only. Whole-market view: Exhibition, fair and congress organisation services (CPV 7995) →
How the contest usually goes
Winner shares use published awards; bid and price charts use contested lots.
i
How often small and medium firms win.
Share of awards where the winner’s size is known.
The counts under this question show how many awards have a known supplier size.
No supplier sizes published for this authority.
i
How often local firms win similar work.
Winners with a registered address in the delivery region, out of awards with a known address.
Local means the winner is registered in the region where that award was delivered.
A local branch does not count if the registered address is elsewhere.
No winner locations published for this authority. Local means a registered address in the region where that award was delivered.
i
How long buyers here take to decide after bids close.
Middle value in days from the bid deadline to the award date, on competitions that published both.
Only decided tenders count, so slow ones still waiting are not in.
Half of these awards have an award date within 58 days of the bid deadline.
i
How often work is awarded with no recorded rival.
Direct awards and tenders where every published lot count shows one bid.
The market share is a minimum: some awards have no bid count.
Thin markets produce this too; it is not proof of a tailored specification.
No awards recorded for this authority in this market.
How many bids did past lots attract?
i
How many bids past lots received.
Each colour is a bid-count range. Only competed lots with a published count are included.
Past bids do not predict this tender.
1 bid0%
2–320%
4–610%
7+70%
How did awards compare with estimates?
i
Where winning prices landed against estimates.
Each colour shows awards below, close to or above the published estimate, one lot at a time.
On a framework or DPS, prices are agreed when work is called off.
Past prices are a guide, not a bid price.
Not comparable on a framework or DPS: the price is set later, on each call-off.
Assess each lot i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
Open a lot for its forecast, this buyer’s previous supplier and possible competitors, from published award history, not a bid list
Lot #1CaterersCPV 7995Published estimate£16m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–39%
4–615%
7+75%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
By Word of Mouth LtdGroup company | 1 award in 36m · last 14 months ago | 1 live · £950k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
| 1 award in 36m · last 14 months ago | 1 live · £950k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| 1 award in 36m · last 14 months ago | 1 live · £950k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
Create Food LtdLarge | — | None on file | no comparable pairs |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs |
Lot #2FloristryCPV 7995Published estimate£1.2m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–328%
4–624%
7+47%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs |
Lot #3ProductionCPV 3232Published estimate£5.2m
This lot is listed as CPV 3232. The table above uses the notice category.
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–325%
4–620%
7+54%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
SFL GroupSME | — | None on file | no comparable pairs |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs |
Lot #4Furniture HireCPV 3915Published estimate£450k
This lot is listed as CPV 3915. The table above uses the notice category.
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid2%
2–346%
4–619%
7+32%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs |
Lot #5EntertainmentCPV 7995Published estimate£350k
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid2%
2–343%
4–621%
7+33%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| — | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
SFL GroupSME | — | None on file | no comparable pairs |
About this data
- Source. Official UK public procurement notices (Find a Tender and Contracts Finder), reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. New notices arrive through the day; the figures are rebuilt nightly. Contracts Finder appears in live search, the Retender Radar, contract pages, organisation counts and the buyer's decision figure; the other analytical figures are built from Find a Tender notices.
- Two views, kept apart. The authority’s own track record and the wider market for the same kind of work sit side by side and are never mixed. Where the local picture is too thin, a figure widens to a broader market and says which one it used.
- Forecasts are labelled. The price forecast and its range, possible competitors and the earlier-work matches are our estimates from past awards: not published facts, not win chances and not price advice. Official notices do not say who is bidding.
- Every figure shows what it rests on. Not every notice publishes a bid count, a value or a delivery region, so each figure carries the number of records behind it, and one built on few records is marked as such. The on a figure explains it; the counting rules are in the methodology. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Requests to participate open
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Light touch regime
- Commercial structure
- Framework agreement
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Yes · next expected 1 Nov 2030
- First published
- 9 Nov 2026, 11:20 GMT
- Last source update
- 9 Nov 2026, 11:20 GMT
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 30 Apr 2027
- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-106123- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-07b757Find a Tender
- How it runs
Suppliers will be down-selected following assessment of request to participate documentation (procurement specific questionnaire supported by client testimonials)
Tender evaluation criteria, sub criteria and weightings will be confirmed with the invited suppliers
Selection of suppliers will be following assessment of responses, and includes practical assessment stage for Lot 1 and Lot 3 suppliers (tasting and/or attending event set-up)
How to participate & submission route
Official notice Submit via Delta eSourcing- Requests to participate (first stage)
- 4 Dec 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Appointment period ends
- 4 Dec 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 23 Nov 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
- call-off levy · 10% of call-off value · Suppliers will pay 10% commission on contracts with venue hire client
- Shortlist
- 15–18 candidates invited to tender
Timeline
9 Nov 2026 → 1 Jun 2027 · 5 dates- Tender notice published1h ago9 Nov 2026, 11:20 GMT
- Today9 Nov 2026
- Clarification questions byin 13 days23 Nov 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Admission / appointment period endsin 24 days · period end, not a bid countdown4 Dec 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Award decision expected byin 172 days30 Apr 2027, 23:59 BST
- Contract startsin 203 days1 Jun 2027, 00:00 BST
Notice history
1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender- Tender notice published9 Nov 2026, 11:20 GMTUK4
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Nothing awarded yet- Awards (0)
- No award published
- Contracts (0)
- No contract published
- Bid statistics
- No aggregate bid statistics published
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (2)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
Notices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender