Local authorities in Aberdeen and across the UK are preparing for future Christmas’ with the issue of public sector tender notices doubling last December and January* for future Christmas contracts.
Local businesses across the UK looking to secure public sector work should prepare to adequately respond to such tenders next month in order to be in with a chance of winning these increased opportunities for future festive fulfilment in 2016, 2017, 2018 and beyond.
These findings come from the UK’s leading e-tender service provider Millstream Associates, who are predicting this significant spike in Christmas related public sector tender notices for 2016 and beyond, is set to continue as a tender trend in the coming months for future festive requirements. This has been found to be a regular trend occurring annually, with Christmas related public sector tender notices issued this year having increased by 28%.
Millstream Associates, who produced the findings from its Tenders Direct service, also noted a significant increase in the ever popular Winter Wonderland Market Events which dominate cities across the UK. From Oxford to Derbyshire, Southampton to Glasgow, Dublin and Cork, many councils are seeking contracts for support services including; erection and installation of event infrastructure, outdoor event management, stewards, CCTV, crowd management, event planners, set and design, supply of funfairs, Christmas light switch on performances and festive catering.
Maintenance and decorative contracts are hugely in demand as the majority of city councils across the country require Christmas lighting, illumination, projections and signage. Tender requirement requests include; supply of mass lighting, installation, maintenance, operation, decorative design, removal and storage.
No Christmas list would be complete without the supply of Christmas trees, the annual Pantomime and of course toys, all of which feature in tender notices across the board.
The Pantomime circuit is a keen favourite and often fronted by famous faces and celebrities. Tender notices are therefore placed as far as 18 months+, in advance of the start date as theatre production teams are sought to deliver a script, cast and full artistic services, merchandise, stage design and entertainment services. This year has seen city councils including; Leicester, Ayrshire, Derbyshire, Derry, Scarborough, Salisbury, Swansea, Thurrock, Telford, Chesterfield and Wirral all placing notices for such requirements.
Telford and Wrekin Council placed its tender notice calling for the production of a 2016 pantomime at Oakengates Theatre, in October 2015, with a value of between £100,000-£500,000. This year the Telford calendar of events in the run up to and over Christmas includes a Christmas lights switch on by Peter Andre, a Santa’s Grotto and a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Panto, featuring former Hollyoaks and Holby City Star, Jeremy Edwards and Bad Girls and Emmerdale actress Nicole Faraday. Next year’s plan is in the winning bidders hands!
For most, this year’s Christmas celebrations are only just beginning however local businesses who would like to supply to the public sector are being urged to start thinking well in advance when it comes to upcoming contracts for future Christmas’
Millstream managing director Tim Williams added:
“Although as consumers we are preparing for this Christmas, any business looking to supply the public sector with Christmas related services and products need be aware that 2015 public sector spend is over. Fear not, as tender notices for such contracts for Christmas 2016, 17, 18 and beyond are set to go live in the coming months.
Public sector tenders for this time of year can be very lucrative to businesses large and small, particularly smaller scale local suppliers where the majority of Christmas related contracts are targeted with a worth of £5,000 - £50,000. Whilst the larger scale events and productions are estimated between £100,000 - £500,000.
Whether its festive lighting, Christmas trees, pantomime production or all the support services required to successfully host a city centre Winter Wonderland event, if local businesses want to win future public sector contracts for Christmas, they need to get informed and make sure they're aware of these opportunities through Tenders Direct.”
Be prepared and ready for Christmas 2016 and beyond by signing up to Tenders Direct, at www.tendersdirect.co.uk or call 0800 270 0249 to speak with one of the team from Millstream Associates about public sector tenders.
*All findings sourced from Millstream's Associates, Tenders Direct, October 2013 –November 2015 EU-wide, public sector tenders, under the search term ‘Christmas’