Scope
Reference
EMC10012
Description
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
Introduction to the College and the Proposed Contract
Telford College, a leading Further Education provider in the Borough of Telford, Shropshire, is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and transformation. With a strong reputation for innovation and a clear vision for the future, we are committed to meeting the evolving skills and education needs of our learners, communities, and local employers.
As part of a major development programme, Telford College is reimagining the student experience and reshaping the way education is delivered in our region. Building on our OFSTED "GOOD" ratings (2022 and 2024), we are investing in inspirational, modern learning environments that empower students and prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
A cornerstone of this vision is Telford 6th, our brand-new town centre campus opening in September 2026. This flagship development will expand our curriculum, widen access to A Level study, and open new opportunities for learners across Telford and beyond. The building will feature a vibrant ground floor retail unit that will house catering services for both students and staff.
Our current Wellington campus is undergoing significant refurbishment to expand vocational provision. The site already includes a dedicated refectory with kitchen, a grab-and-go outlet, and a Starbucks coffee shop - and we are excited to build on this strong foundation.
LOCATION & CONTEXT
• Wellington Campus: Home to around 2,000 full-time students, 500 apprentices, and 2,000 part-time/adult learners. A wide portfolio of vocational and academic qualifications is delivered here, with flexibility at the heart of our approach.
• Telford 6th (Station Quarter, Telford): Launching with over 300 A Level students in 2026, with capacity to grow to 500+. The central location offers excellent transport links and proximity to the town centre, making it a lively, connected hub for students.
Together, these two campuses represent a diverse and growing student population, each with its own unique identity and requirements.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Telford College is seeking an outstanding catering partner to deliver a modern, student-focused food and beverage offer across both sites - one that is flexible, innovative, and able to reflect the different needs of vocational and academic learners.
Our current catering services are provided by Aramark under an extended agreement, which concludes in August 2026. This procurement process offers a fantastic opportunity for a forward-thinking provider to shape the future of catering at Telford College, creating environments that are welcoming, high-quality, and aligned with the energy of our campuses.
We are running a two-stage process:
1. PQQ - to identify and shortlist qualified bidders.
2. Request for Proposal/Invitation to Tender (RFQ/ITT) - to be issued to shortlisted bidders only.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,400,000 excluding VAT
- £1,680,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 August 2026 to 31 July 2031
- Possible extension to 31 July 2033
- 6 years, 11 months, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
Subject to satisfactory performance during the initial term
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55300000 - Restaurant and food-serving services
- 55400000 - Beverage-serving services
- 55500000 - Canteen and catering services
Contract locations
- UKG2 - Shropshire and Staffordshire
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
3 September 2025
Enquiry deadline
16 September 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
26 September 2025, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Expressions of interest and clarifications to be emailed to procurement@emcassociates.co.uk.
Final submissions to be emailed to:
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
Telford EMC PQQ Sep 25.docx
THE OPPORTUNITY
Telford College is seeking an outstanding catering partner to deliver a modern, student-focused food and beverage offer across both sites - one that is flexible, innovative, and able to reflect the different needs of vocational and academic learners. The college intends its campuses to be a transitional stage between school and university or work. The catering offer should reflect this approach within its design and delivery.
Our current catering services are provided by Aramark under an extended agreement, which concludes in August 2026. This procurement process offers a fantastic opportunity for a forward-thinking provider to shape the future of catering at Telford College, creating environments that are welcoming, high-quality, and aligned with the energy of our campuses.
We are running a two-stage process:
1. PQQ - to identify and shortlist qualified bidders.
2. Request for Proposal/Invitation to Tender (RFQ/ITT) - to be issued to shortlisted bidders only.
Contracting authority
Telford College
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXDN-9724-GHRL
Haybridge Road
Telford
TF1 2NP
United Kingdom
Region: UKG21 - Telford and Wrekin
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government