Award

Provision of Catering Services

  • THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

UK5: Transparency notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-047024

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0583a1

Published 7 August 2025, 4:07pm



Scope

Reference

OUPA11468

Description

Catering services to The OU Walton Hall Campus based in Milton Keynes.


Contract 1

Supplier

Contract value

  • £784,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Earliest date the contract will be signed

1 October 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 21 November 2026 to 31 January 2028
  • 1 year, 2 months, 10 days

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 55520000 - Catering services

Contract locations

  • UKJ12 - Milton Keynes

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 contract between The Open University and BaxterStorey Limited commenced in 20th November 2019, coinciding with the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented event significantly impacted operations and prevented the contract from being implemented as originally envisaged. These circumstances were beyond the control of both the University and the contractor.

Since the award of the contract, The Open University has undertaken substantial organisational change, including the conclusion of its 'New Ways of Working' project and the formalisation of hybrid working practices. This shift has led to a sustained reduction in daily campus attendance.

Given the current period of transformation and uncertainty surrounding the future scope of catering requirements, the University finds it appropriate to extend the current catering contract to 31 January 2028. This extension will allow adequate time for the University to clarify future service needs and ensure alignment with its strategic objectives.


Supplier

BAXTERSTOREY LIMITED

  • Companies House: 01962583
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWXZ-5178-NDNH

Earely West, 300 Thames Valley Park Drive

Reading

RG6 1PT

United Kingdom

Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Contract 1


Contracting authority

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

  • Charity Commission (England and Wales): RC000391
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYNW-6296-ZJQQ

Walton Hall

Milton Keynes

MK7 6AA

United Kingdom

Region: UKJ12 - Milton Keynes

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government