Scope
Reference
TND-0001075
Description
The University of Chichester is seeking a suitably experienced and skilled partner to work with on our graduation ceremonies.
We want a provider that feels like an extension of our team, with the ability to achieve a smooth process for both our university events team and our students in the run up to and on the day of the events. Someone who offers robing and photography for the day as well as tickets for the graduands and guests for the event.
We are looking for a partner who gives us clear communication on the specifications requested and deadlines in good time. This partner must have good people relationship skills as well as strong experience, skills and knowledge in this field.
Overall, our aim is to give our students the best day and experience possible, so that all they need to worry about is what to wear or how best to celebrate!
Currently, our graduation ceremonies take place twice a year, the first larger ceremonies focus predominately on our undergraduate programmes with the slightly smaller occasions later in the academic year for our postgraduate and non-traditional course routes.
With the undergraduate currently taking place in September, however from 2027 onwards, these will be brought forward to July. Our postgraduate ceremonies will be in March.
Our ceremonies are held at Chichester Cathedral where we have around 130 graduands per ceremony, with anywhere from 4-12 ceremonies at each event.
The 3 key requirements are academic dress, photography, and ticketing. Graduand dress is black robes with a blue and gold hood, Staff to wear their own institutional robes, and senior team to wear high-quality blue jacquard fabric with gold detailing. Photography requires studios set up on location and photos of graduands receiving their awards.
We require the supplier to undertake ticketing on our behalf and work with us to manage this.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £120,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
17 April 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 May 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 May 2025 to 4 May 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 18410000 - Special clothing
- 98393000 - Tailoring services
Contract locations
- UKJ27 - West Sussex (South West)
Information about tenders
- 2 tenders received
- 2 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 2 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Supplier
WM. NORTHAM & COMPANY LIMITED
119 High Street
Oxford
OX1 4BX
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICHESTER
- Companies House: 04740553
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPPG-3697-WRBH
Bishop Otter Campus
Chichester
PO19 6PE
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@chi.ac.uk
Region: UKJ27 - West Sussex (South West)
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government