Scope
Description
Infinity was the approved supplier for branded merchandise for the University's on-campus gift shop, which was operated externally by Unique. Infinity also operated the online merchandise store, with fulfilment of online orders managed by Unique. All merchandise supplied by Infinity to Unique was approved by the University's brand team, with under signed Heads of Terms for use of branding valid until July 2027.
Following Unique's unexpected liquidation last week, both the physical gift shop and the online store ceased operations immediately. This has resulted in a complete halt in the availability of official University merchandise, which is considered as negatively impacting the student experience and posing a risk to brand reputation.
To mitigate this disruption, the University is implementing a contingency plan to bring all aspect of the gift shop including merchandise operations in-house. To ensure continuity and maintain brand integrity, immediate access to branded stock is required - stock that aligns with previously approved designs and possibly stock items acquired from the liquidator. Infinity is uniquely positioned to supply this merchandise without delay, given their existing approvals, familiarity with our brand standards and arrangements that were in place for the University Campus.
Conducting a full competitive tender at this stage would introduce a significant delay, during which the University would remain unable to offer official merchandise. This direct award until the expiry of the Heads of Terms enables the University to restore both physical and online merchandise availability within 10-14 days, ensuring continuity of service and safeguarding the University's brand presence and integrity.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £350,000 excluding VAT
- £420,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
31 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2025 to 18 August 2027
- 1 year, 9 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 39294100 - Information and promotion products
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
Infinity was the approved supplier for branded merchandise for the University's on-campus gift shop, which was operated externally by Unique. Infinity also operated the online merchandise store, with fulfilment of online orders managed by Unique. All merchandise supplied by Infinity to Unique was approved by the University's brand team, with under signed Heads of Terms for use of branding valid until July 2027.
Following Unique's unexpected liquidation last week, both the physical gift shop and the online store ceased operations immediately. This has resulted in a complete halt in the availability of official University merchandise, which is considered as negatively impacting the student experience and posing a risk to brand reputation.
To mitigate this disruption, the University is implementing a contingency plan to bring all aspect of the gift shop including merchandise operations in-house. To ensure continuity and maintain brand integrity, immediate access to branded stock is required - stock that aligns with previously approved designs and possibly stock items acquired from the liquidator. Infinity is uniquely positioned to supply this merchandise without delay, given their existing approvals, familiarity with our brand standards and arrangements that were in place for the University Campus.
Conducting a full competitive tender at this stage would introduce a significant delay, during which the University would remain unable to offer official merchandise. This direct award until the expiry of the Heads of Terms enables the University to restore both physical and online merchandise availability within 10-14 days, ensuring continuity of service and safeguarding the University's brand presence and integrity.
Supplier
Infinity Incorporated Limited
- Companies House: 03582519
One Central Street
Manchester
M2 5WR
United Kingdom
Email: sales@infinityinc.co.uk
Website: https://www.infinityinconline.co.uk
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
- Companies House: RC000645
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCQ-3464-LVTM
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@bham.ac.uk
Website: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government