Provision of Graduation Academic Dress to ARU

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) are seeking tenders from suppliers who are able to provide academic gown hire services to students, academic staff and VIPs.Our graduation ceremonies take place twice yearly across 3 different city locations. The dates may differ year on year but as a guideline may include.July – 1 week in CambridgeJuly – 1 week in ChelmsfordJuly – 1 weekday in PeterboroughNovember – 3 days in ChelmsfordNovember – 3 days in CambridgeNovember - 1 weekday in PeterboroughFor 2022 the dates are confirmed as:11th-15th July 2022 Cambridge18th-22nd July 2022 Chelmsford26th July 2022 Peterborough November 2022 dates are to be confirmed.A maximum of 3 ceremonies per day are held at each location. These dates may change in future years, or the number of ceremonies may increase or decrease. Notice will be given in the previous academic year of all dates for the year ahead, however flexibility is required.The current locations for these events are as follows.ChelmsfordCeremony: Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1TYGown pick up: Guy Harlings Garden Marquee, 53 New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1TYGown drop off: At either the Guy Harlings Garden Marquee or ARU Chelmsford CampusCambridgeCeremony: Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QEGown pick up: Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge, CB2 3QJGown drop off: At either the Guildhall or ARU Cambridge campusPeterborough:Ceremony: Peterborough Cathedral, PE1 1XZGown pick up: The Bull Hotel and Conference Centre, Westgate, Peterborough, PE 1 1RBGown drop off: At either The Bull Hotel and Conference Centre or Peterborough CathedralThe total number of graduates attending the ceremonies each year is approximately 4,500 with no more than 350 students per ceremony. The ceremonies will cover a variety of awardsARU requires a high-quality professional service to students and their family/friends. From pre-sales information and booking, through to the management of gowning at ceremonies in a high-pressure, high-volume environment, to an after-sales service and customer care to support any issues. Gowning services may also be required outside of ARUs graduations for other corporate events e.g. new Chancellor investiture ceremonies etc.From time to time, ARU may require new gowns/hoods designed and manufacturing when students graduate from awards which are new to ARU.