Scope
Reference
CAS-01125-R8Q1V8
Description
At Aster Group Our purpose is to provide safety and security through our reliable landlord and independent living services and we supply a wide range of options in response to the housing crisis through our Registered Providers and other member companies. To support this, Aster require high level public affairs support, including Government lobbying and sector influencing building on our strategy extending our scope of influencers and mobilising the relationships we now hold. The majority of PR support will target national media and key house builder and sector trade titles. We also require high-level strategic advice and support so we can be agile to the changing requirements and opportunities faced by the business.
The anticipated services may include, but are not limited to:
Strategic communications and messaging
Public affairs and policy engagement
Crisis communications
Media relations and press office support
Stakeholder engagement
Reputation management
Social media strategy and content
Event support and campaign delivery
The final scope will be informed by this market engagement.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030
- Possible extension to 31 March 2032
- 6 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79416000 - Public relations services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 September 2025
Engagement process description
This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PIN) is issued to inform the market of a potential upcoming procurement for Public Affairs (PA) and Public Relations (PR) consultancy services. The purpose of this engagement is to:
Understand market capabilities and interest
Inform the scope and structure of the procurement
Explore suitable commercial and delivery models
Identify potential risks and opportunities
This is not a call for competition and does not constitute a formal procurement process.
Interested suppliers are invited to participate by completing a Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire. The questionnaire seeks feedback on service capabilities, delivery models, commercial preferences, and suggestions for framework design. Please follow this link to express your interest and access the related documents: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/aster/aspx/ProjectManage/605
Responses will be used to shape the procurement strategy and documentation.
Subject to the outcome of this engagement, the contracting authority may proceed with a formal procurement process. Suppliers who do not participate in this engagement will not be excluded from future opportunities.
It is mandatory for any interested suppliers to register on the new CENTRAL DIGITAL PLATFORM which is part of the enhanced Find a Tender Service.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
3 November 2025
Contracting authority
ASTER GROUP LIMITED
- Companies House: IP29573R
Sarson Court
Devizes
SN10 2AZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKK15 - Wiltshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government