Scope
Reference
250062
Description
Ongoing utilisation of the Unit4 Enterprise Resource Planning Solution, migrating to cloud-based platform providing functionality for budget management, expenses, purchase to pay, sales to cash, inventory management, general ledger reporting and commitment accounting including the support and maintenance of this existing ERP System.
Contract 1. Ongoing use of Unit4 Enterprise Resource Planning Solution including the support and maintenance of this existing ERP System, and migration to cloud-based platform
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
23 December 2025
Contract dates
- 19 March 2026 to 18 March 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Goods
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Options may be taken up over the life of the contract for upgrades, new functionality, additional or new modules to address business need and or operational efficiency
CPV classifications
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
The obligation to publish KPIs under Section 52 of the Act is not applicable to this contract
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
The current on premise Unit4 solution is a business-critical application used by the University and its subsidiaries for the management of finances. It enables budget management, expenses, purchase to pay, sales to cash, inventory management, general ledger reporting and commitment accounting.
Unit4 Business Software Limited is the current ERP supplier and this contract will facilitate the continued use of Unit4 ERP solution including support and maintenance, as well as supporting migration of the system to cloud.
A change in supplier would result in incompatibilities and disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance. The University considers that the award of this contract is justified under Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 using para. 7 'Additional or repeat goods, services or works' as set out below and in force on 11 December 2025.
Additional or Repeat Goods/Services
The public contract concerns the supply of goods, services or works by the existing supplier which are intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing goods, services or works in circumstances where -
(a) a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving goods, services or works that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing goods, services or works, and
(b) the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance.
Supplier
UNIT4 BUSINESS SOFTWARE LIMITED
- Companies House: 01737985
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVRP-7679-QVJG
C/O Corporation Service Company (Uk) Limited
London
E14 5HU
United Kingdom
Email: bids.uki@unit4.com
Website: http://www.unit4.com
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Queen's University Belfast
- Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: 101788
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMQQ-8477-XTZM
University Rd
Belfast
BT7 1NN
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@qub.ac.uk
Website: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/FinanceDirectorate/visitors/procurement/
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland