Scope
Reference
EST/JH/503
Description
The University is carrying out a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise for Catering Services. This will inform the tender to appoint a professional and experienced catering contractor capable of delivering a student-focused, high-quality and innovative catering and hospitality service. The student experience is central to the University's mission, and the successful contractor will be expected to provide a sector-leading service that promotes and prioritises a campus-first experience and improves overall student satisfaction.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2035
- 9 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55520000 - Catering services
Contract locations
- UKK24 - Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Engagement
Engagement deadline
13 February 2026
Engagement process description
A Preliminary Market Engagement document is available to potential participants as part of this notice. The documents sets out the high-level requirements of the engagement process including the scope of the exercise and how organisations may register their interest.
Here is an overview of the requirements:
The University carrying out a Preliminary Market Engagement exercise for Catering Services. This will inform the tender process to appoint a professional and experienced catering contractor capable of delivering a student-focused, high-quality and innovative catering and hospitality service. The student experience is central to the University's mission, and the successful contractor will be expected to provide a sector-leading service that promotes and prioritises a campus-first experience and improves overall student satisfaction.
Campus Locations
Catering services are required across the University's two principal campus locations:
• Talbot Campus
• Lansdowne Campus
Each campus serves a diverse student, staff, and visitor population, requiring a flexible, responsive catering and hospitality service.
Key requirements include:
• Cost neutral with a surplus, a service model that both delivers at no cost to the University, yet provides profit sharing for the University to reinvest back into its student experience
• A student centred, high-quality, contemporary and authentic food and beverage offer across all catering outlets
• Excellent value for money, including accessible low-price entry points, discounts and loyalty schemes
• A continually evolving and innovative service model, providing a contemporary offer that aligns with student's tastes and trends
• A sustainable and environmentally responsible operation, incorporating a robust and data driven "reduce, reuse, recycle" waste management strategy
• A technologically advanced service, providing digital solutions that enhance convenience, drive engagement and repeat custom
• A strong commitment to staff training, personal development, and education
Format of the Preliminary Market Engagement Exercise
The exercise will consist of:
• Written responses to the areas of this document identified as required.
• One-to-one meetings with suppliers that have responded to this exercise (hereafter referred to as Participants) via face to face on site at one of the University campus locations. Meeting duration will be a maximum of 1.5 hours.
The University will reduce the number of Participants from written responses to one-to-one discussions via the following method:
Management of Engagement Activity
• At least one SME will be included;
• At least one large enterprise will be included;
• At least one non-incumbent supplier will be included;
• At least one Participant with a registered address within Bournemouth will be included;
• At least one Participant with a registered address outside of Bournemouth will be included;
The above elements can/will only apply if at least one Participant meets that description.
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Bournemouth University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVRY-5141-LLTP
Poole House, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow
Poole
BH12 5BB
United Kingdom
Region: UKK24 - Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)