Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Glasgow Caledonian University
70 Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow
G4 0BA
Telephone
+44 1413313578
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM82 - Glasgow City
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/aboutgcu/services-and-facilities/finance/procurement
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00195
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Award for the Provision of In- Country Presence South- Asia, Nigeria & Malaysia (GCU)
Reference number
GCU-MKT-2025-001
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The University is seeking a Contractor(s) for the provision of In-Country Presence in the South Asia region (excluding Pakistan), Nigeria and South East Asia.
The Directorate of Future Students, Marketing and Communications key function is to develop, manage and execute the University’s marketing and recruitment strategy, enabling the University to achieve student recruitment targets (all degree levels) from UK and international markets, as well as more broadly build and bolster our brand position and levels of recognition.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £894,647.60
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Award for In-Country Presence in South East Asia
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM82 - Glasgow City
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
As GCU begins to enter new priority diversification markets in South East Asia, we are seeking an experienced partner capable of supporting GCU in building, acquiring and maintaining market share over time.
Five of our priority diversification markets are in South East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines). All these markets are at market entry or development stage for GCU, with currently very low enrolment numbers.
An in-country presence will serve as the local liaison, fostering consistent communication and relationships with GCU agent network, prospective students and offer holders. By leveraging the local knowledge and cultural understanding, the in-country presence will recommend recruitment and conversion plans to resonate with the target audiences. The representative will conduct information sessions, participate in education fairs, and engage with local schools to actively promote GCU's programmes.
The regional presence will provide market insights and intelligence that contributes to maximising recruitment opportunities and mitigating risk in this region. This is crucial for GCU to make informed decisions and adapt its strategies in the dynamic South East Asian region. In addition to this operational function the University also require full cycle reporting and reflection on engagement to maximise efficiencies.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Methodology / Weighting: 30
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Key Personnel / Weighting: 13
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Continuous Improvement and Innovation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Management Information/Reporting / Weighting: 8
Quality criterion - Name: Business Continuity / Weighting: 5
Quality criterion - Name: Sustainable Procurement – University Values / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Sustainable Procurement – Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 30
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Award for In- Country Presence in South Asia ( excluding Pakistan)
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM82 - Glasgow City
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The University has identified the need for continued South Asia regional presence to support recruitment targets and associated objectives.
The South Asia region has been identified through market intelligence and experience as a region with potential to contribute significantly to these targets over the next three years. The priority markets in this region for GCU are India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We require the regional presence in South Asia to support recruitment and conversion activities in these priority markets.
We require an in regional presence to provide effective, measurable and proven strategic recruitment and conversion support. Based on research and previous experience of the HE sectors; this presence should be in a city hub in India that fits well with our course portfolio and provides the institution with competitive advantage. (i.e. either Mumbai and Delhi). We are requesting recommendations as how best to resource this.
The contractor must have capacity and resources in South Asia region to efficiently facilitate the attainment of international targets.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Methodology / Weighting: 30
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Key Personnel / Weighting: 13
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Continuous Improvement and Innovation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Management Information/Reporting / Weighting: 8
Quality criterion - Name: Business Continuity / Weighting: 5
Quality criterion - Name: Sustainable Procurement – University Values / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Sustainable Procurement – Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 30
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Award for In- Country Presence in Nigeria
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM82 - Glasgow City
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Nigeria has been a top recruitment market for GCU for many years. We require an in-country presence to continue to maximise recruitment opportunities for GCU postgraduate courses and to also grow the appeal of GCU undergraduate courses in the market.
The in-country presence will build relationships with key sponsors and visit on a regular basis and participate in local events.
The regional presence also needs to provide market insights and intelligence that contributes to maximising recruitment opportunities and mitigating risks. In addition to this operational function the University also require full cycle reporting and reflection on engagement to maximise efficiencies.
We require an in regional presence to provide effective, measurable and proven strategic recruitment and conversion support. Based on research and previous experience of the HE sectors; this presence should be in a city hub in Nigeria that fits well with our course portfolio and provides the institution with competitive advantage. We are requesting recommendations as how best to resource this.
The contractor must have capacity and resources in Nigeria to efficiently facilitate the attainment of international targets.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Methodology / Weighting: 30
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Key Personnel / Weighting: 13
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery – Continuous Improvement and Innovation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Management Information/Reporting / Weighting: 8
Quality criterion - Name: Business Continuity / Weighting: 5
Quality criterion - Name: Sustainable Procurement – University Values / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Sustainable Procurement – Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 30
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2025/S 000-015687
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Award for In- Country Presence in South Asia ( excluding Pakistan)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
19 September 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 11
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 11
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 11
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd
1 Tranley Mews, Fleet Road
London
NW3 2DG
Telephone
+44 02072847200
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
Internet address
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £246,647.60
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Award for In- Country Presence in Nigeria
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
11 September 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 11
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 11
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 11
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Illume Student Advisory Services
#3301-688 Abbott Street
Vancouver
V6B 0B9
Telephone
+971 508778702
Country
Canada
NUTS code
- CA - Canada
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £385,000
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
3
Title
Award for In-Country Presence in South East Asia
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
11 September 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 9
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Illume Student Advisory Services
#3301-688 Abbott Street
Vancouver
V6B 0B9
Telephone
+971 508778702
Country
Canada
NUTS code
- CA - Canada
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £263,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
(SC Ref:811531)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Glasgow Sheriff Court
1 Carlton Place
Glasgow
G5 9DA
Country
United Kingdom