Scope
Reference
NCG251002DA
Description
Marketing, digital marketing, and outreach activity designed to promote access and informed choice for prospective students, alongside initiatives to strengthen branding and brand awareness for the NCG HE Centre at the London Campus. This will include open day coordination, applicant advice and support, and associated administrative services.
Contract 1. Marketing and Outreach Services
Supplier
Contract value
- £2,780,818 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
10 November 2025
Contract dates
- 10 November 2025 to 31 July 2026
- Possible extension to 31 January 2027
- 1 year, 2 months, 21 days
Description of possible extension:
Can be extended up to the 31st January 2027 to enable detailed due diligence to be undertaken and a robust specification produced for the entire services to be supplied as part of the new procurement, the intention of the extension/s is to enable a rigorous procurement process to conclude.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 75100000 - Administration services
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
- 80300000 - Higher education services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Under £5 Million
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
Due to consultation taking place within the HE sector regarding the future of subcontracting/franchising of HE programmes by higher education institutions and those who hold taught degree awarding powers, NCG has been exploring alternative delivery models which has resulted in the creation of NCG HE Centre Ltd. To enable NCG HE Centre to deliver the HE programmes previously delivered in partnership with other parties, NCG HE Centre must now procure compliantly the services such as marketing and outreach services to support the growth of the new business model. This intended contract award is to enable NCG HE Centre to undertake further due diligence to better understand the services provided specifically for the London campus initially but with the option to explore other campuses in the future and draft a robust specification for delivery of the said services for an initial period of two years with the option to extend for further periods. It is envisaged the new contract would commence no earlier than 1st August 2026.
Supplier
Planet Education Networks Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDNH-6967-RXVJ
Ground Floor Unit H1, Moorfoot House, Meridian Gate, 221 Marsh Wall,
London
E14 8FJ
United Kingdom
Email: ashlea.b@pengroup.com
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Marketing and Outreach Services
Contracting authority
NCG HIGHER EDUCATION CENTRE LIMITED
- Companies House: 16761608
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQCL-1388-BNTZ
Rye Hill House
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
NE4 7SA
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@ncgrp.co.uk
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government