Official UK procurement notice
Provision of Print Services and Signage
Authority: Nottingham Trent University (Education)
Sectors: Business Services & Consultancy (79) Delivery: East Midlands (UKF14)
Framework ceiling (notional)£3,083,333total for 3 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 28 Nov 2025awarded 27 Feb 2026
Awarded to Colorset North Limited +5 more3 awards
Framework period 3 yrsends 12 Feb 2029 · up to 12 Feb 2034 with extensions · starts 13 Feb 2026
What is being bought3 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionCost-effective and responsive print and signage service, drawing on sector knowledge to offer innovation, efficiency and value for money.
- The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 12 Feb 2034, 23:59 GMT.
- No preliminary market engagement: The university did not conduct any pre market engagement activities in relation to this tender.
CPV: Services related to printing
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Bids received
- 15 bids on the busiest of 3 lots · 6 suppliers appointed
- Framework period
- 3 yrs · up to 8 yrs from 13 Feb 2026
- Scheme runs until
- 11 May 2034
Published description of the framework
This is an Open Procedure tender, as defined in sections 20(1) and 20(2)(a) of the Act.
The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS).
There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework.
This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks.
Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months.
Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months.
The open framework will last 8 years in total.
Any subsequent extension to the Framework will be agreed between NTU and the appointed Suppliers. It is likely that NTU will seek the Supplier/s to demonstrate improvements to the services and/or price reductions before considering an extension. For any extension(s) to the Framework, discussions with Supplier(s) to arrive at an agreed position shall be conducted sufficiently far in advance of the expiry date.
Lots and requirements (3)Procurement structure
3 lots · all with a published value · evaluation weights differ by lotLot #1Signage and Wide FormatAwardedRenewalPublished value£1,250,000
The source published no individual description for this lot.
Lot #2Reactive SignageAwardedRenewalPublished value£166,667
The source published no individual description for this lot.
Lot #3Print ServicesAwardedRenewalPublished value£1,666,667
The source published no individual description for this lot.
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).
How bids were scored
Lots publish different evaluation splits; there is no single procedure weighting.
| Lot | Quality | Price | Environmental | Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Signage and Wide Format | 65 | 20 | 15 | |
| 2 · Reactive Signage | 60 | 25 | 15 | |
| 3 · Print Services | 33 | 20 | 15 |
What this means for your bid
- Price carries 20–25 points depending on the lot; most lots put it at 20 points.
- “Provision of Print Services and Signage” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Open procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Awarded
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Open framework scheme
- 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
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Yes · next expected 12 Feb 2034
- First published
- 27 Oct 2025, 10:00 GMT
- Last source update
- 11 May 2026, 09:33 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 22 Jan 2026
- Authority reference
NTU/25/2775/DS- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-068419- Latest notice
- Contract details notice (UK7)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d3dfFind a Tender
How it was run
Official noticeRun through: EU-Supply (CTM) · Who buys & how to bid on EU-Supply
Access & registration note: Free · 5–10 minutes
- Appointment period ends
- 28 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 26 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release
Timeline
27 Oct 2025 → 11 May 2026 · 8 dates- Tender notice published365 days ago27 Oct 2025, 10:00 GMT
- Clarification questions by334 days ago26 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
- Admission / appointment period ends332 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown28 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
- Award decision expected by277 days ago22 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT
- Contract starts256 days ago13 Feb 2026
- Assessment summaries sent242 days ago27 Feb 2026
- Standstill ends230 days ago10 Mar 2026, 23:59 GMT
- Latest notice published169 days ago11 May 2026, 09:33 BST
Notice history
5 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 27 Oct 2025- Tender notice published27 Oct 2025, 10:00 GMTUK4
- Contract award notice published27 Feb 2026, 09:02 GMTUK6
- Status changed to complete27 Feb 2026, 09:02 GMT
- Contract signature expected30 Mar 2026, 23:59 BSTscheduled
- Contract details notice published11 May 2026, 09:33 BSTUK7
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecastSuppliers appointed 63 awards · see the list ↓
Bids received 1515 from SMEs · busiest of 3 lots
Contracts signed 3latest 11 May 2026
| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 · Signage and Wide Format1 award | |||
| Colorset North LimitedSME, Fast Graphics (Nottingham) Ltd, N1 Visual Limited1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2034Extensions: This is an Open Procedure tender, as defined in sections 20(1) and 20(2)(a) of the Act. The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months. | £1,250,000 | 27 Feb 2026 | Awarded |
| Lot 2 · Reactive Signage1 award | |||
| Fast Graphics (Nottingham) Ltd1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2034Extensions: This is an Open Procedure tender, as defined in sections 20(1) and 20(2)(a) of the Act. The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months. | £166,667 | 27 Feb 2026 | Awarded |
| Lot 3 · Print Services1 award | |||
| AGNE Limited, Harlow Printing LimitedSME, Hickling & Squires UKSME1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2034Extensions: This is an Open Procedure tender, as defined in sections 20(1) and 20(2)(a) of the Act. The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months. | £1,666,667 | 27 Feb 2026 | Awarded |
Contracts
Lot 1a Signage and Wide Format · Colorset North LimitedSME, Fast Graphics (Nottingham) Ltd, N1 Visual Limited
- Signed
- 11 May 2026
- Value
- £1,250,000
- Period
- 12 May 2026 – 11 May 2029 · up to 11 May 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Any subsequent extension to the Framework will be agreed between NTU and the appointed Suppliers. It is likely that NTU will seek the Supplier/s to demonstrate improvements to the services and/or price reductions before considering an extension. For any extension(s) to the Framework, discussions with Supplier(s) to arrive at an agreed position shall be conducted sufficiently far in advance of the expiry date.
Lot 1b Reactive Signage · Fast Graphics (Nottingham) Ltd
- Signed
- 11 May 2026
- Value
- £166,667
- Period
- 12 May 2026 – 11 May 2029 · up to 11 May 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Any subsequent extension to the Framework will be agreed between NTU and the appointed Suppliers. It is likely that NTU will seek the Supplier/s to demonstrate improvements to the services and/or price reductions before considering an extension. For any extension(s) to the Framework, discussions with Supplier(s) to arrive at an agreed position shall be conducted sufficiently far in advance of the expiry date.
Lot 2 Print Services · AGNE Limited, Harlow Printing LimitedSME, Hickling & Squires UKSME
- Signed
- 11 May 2026
- Value
- £1,666,667
- Period
- 12 May 2026 – 11 May 2029 · up to 11 May 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Any subsequent extension to the Framework will be agreed between NTU and the appointed Suppliers. It is likely that NTU will seek the Supplier/s to demonstrate improvements to the services and/or price reductions before considering an extension. For any extension(s) to the Framework, discussions with Supplier(s) to arrive at an agreed position shall be conducted sufficiently far in advance of the expiry date.
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Lot | Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Signage and Wide Format | 14final-stage tenders | 14 | 0 | — |
| 2 · Reactive Signage | 10final-stage tenders | 10 | 0 | — |
| 3 · Print Services | 15final-stage tenders | 15 | 0 | — |
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Framework contractors & participating bidders
6 commercial parties on the notice- AGNE Ltd trading as AlphaGraphicsFramework contractor
- Colorset North LtdFramework contractor
- Fast Graphics (Nottingham) LtdFramework contractor
- Harlow Printing Limited T/A Harlow SolutionsFramework contractor
- Hickling & Squires UK LtdFramework contractor
- N1 Visual LimitedFramework contractor
Official documents & specifications (7)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender