Scope
Description
The University of Worcester is seeking to appoint an advertising agency that can provide expert campaign planning, media buying, and strategy development services. The selected agency will work closely with the University to design and implement advertising campaigns that effectively support student recruitment and raise awareness of the University of Worcester.
The appointed agency should demonstrate a strong understanding of the Higher Education sector, its target audiences, and digital advertising best practices. The agency must be able to create cost-effective digital campaigns that optimise engagement and conversion rates, including web visits, button clicks, event bookings and form completions.
The University seeks an agency that will:
• Deliver integrated media planning and buying services.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations.
• Ensure value for money through cost-effective ad placements and discounts.
• Manage campaigns proactively with data-driven optimisations.
• Advise on emerging advertising trends and innovations.
Total value (estimated)
- £920,000 excluding VAT
- £11,040,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028
- Possible extension to 31 December 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
1 x 12 month extension following successful performance during the initial contract period
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79341000 - Advertising services
Submission
Enquiry deadline
1 August 2025, 4:00pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
7 August 2025, 1:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
24 November 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 11 July 2029
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | For the Conditions of Participation stage, tenderers will be shortlisted using the following criteria: Technical Ability - 70% Resource Capacity - 30% For the Tender Stage, the following criteria will be... |
Price |
Weighting description
For the Conditions of Participation stage, tenderers will be shortlisted using the following criteria:
Technical Ability - 70%
Resource Capacity - 30%
For the Tender Stage, the following criteria will be used:
Quality - 65%
Price and Value for Money - 35%
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
The tender process will comprise of three stages:
Stage 1 - Conditions of Participation. Interested agencies should complete the Procurement Specific Questionnaire on the University's tender portal (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofworcester). Following evaluation of these questionnaire, the University shall shortlist to six tenderers to proceed to the tender stage.
Stage 2 - Tender - shortlisted suppliers will be invited to submit a tender responding to the University's ITT. Following evaluation of the tender submissions, tenderers will be shortlisted to three tenderers to proceed to interview.
Stage 3 - Interview - the three shortlisted tenderers will be invited to present their tender proposal to the University.
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofworcester
The Conditions of Participation Brief can be found on the University of Worcester's tender portal. A draft copy of the University's Invitation to Tender and Terms and Conditions for the contract are also available on the University's portal.
Contracting authority
University of Worcester
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYJR-8772-LLDP
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ
United Kingdom
Email: uwtenders@worc.ac.uk
Website: http://www.worcester.ac.uk/
Region: UKG12 - Worcestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government