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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

161_27 Artist Grounds’, Brushes, Art Pads and Painting Tools

Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 24 Sept 2026, 12:22.

Opportunity overview

ESPO is a trading department of Leicestershire County Council. It is a non-profit making body owned and operated jointly by six local authorities. We provide a catalogue range, providing our customers with access to over 28,000 products that cover all key areas of education and wider public sector requirements. We are establishing a catalogue framework for the supply of Artist brushes, Artist grounds, portfolios, easels and mats for delivery to ESPO’s distribution centre and to individual customers. The Framework is divided into 6 lots. Please refer to the tender documents for any further details (including further details on each of the lots) - the closing date for submission of Tenders is 12:00 (12 noon / 12pm) on 02 October 2026. To tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract e.g., via https://procontract.due-north.com/Register); (c) Search for tender opportunity 161_27 (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal, or alternatively via searching on https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index); (d) Express an interest; (e) Download the tender documents (from the ProContract Activity summary screen). Any questions or clarifications relating to this tender opportunity should be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal, once an Expression of interest has been completed.

Classification

  • CPV30197600 — Processed paper and paperboard
  • CPV37800000 — Handicraft and art supplies
  • CPV39162000 — Educational equipment
  • CPV39224210 — Painters' brushes

Lots

  • Artist Brushes£603.3k
  • Painting Tools and Equipment£103.3k
  • Artists Books, Pads and Papers£4.8m
  • Drying Racks and Easels£533.3k
  • Portfolios and Canvasses£413.3k
  • Pots, Palettes and Jars£220k

Documents and notices

  • Tender notice on Find a TenderOpen source ↗
  • To tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract e.g., via https://procontract.due-north.com/Register); (c) Search for tender opportunity 161_27 (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal, or alternatively via searching on https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index); (d) Express an interest; (e) Download the tender documents (from the ProContract Activity summary screen).Open source ↗
  • Please refer to the tender documents (see above for further details including summary instructions on how to access these).Open source ↗

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
161_27
Status
active
Procurement Method
open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Main Procurement Category
goods
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
Refer to all instructions captured via https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (or alternatively by searching for the Opportunity on https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index).

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Covered By

GPA

Participation Fees

Entry 1
Description
As a public body, ESPO has a statutory obligation to recover the costs incurred in the management of this Framework. This obligation is met by means of a Framework Fee that will be payable by Suppliers to ESPO and will be based on a percentage of the total turnover of business conducted by them under the Framework. The Framework Fee will be at a rate of 1% for this Framework and shall be payable every three months. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.
Id
ocds-h6vhtk-069373

Type

win

Relative Value

Proportion
0.01
Monetary Value
award

Techniques

Has Framework Agreement
Yes

Framework Agreement

Method
withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition
Type
closed
Description
It should be noted that the Framework could be used, as outlined in option 1 and 2 below, by ESPO where Artists Ground’s, Brushes, Art Pads and Painting Tools are required: Option 1 - Call-off without competition 'Calling-off' Goods from the awarded Supplier who is a) included in the Framework and b) identified as offering the most advantageous solution to ESPO's requirements, based on the Framework award decision. For all Lots (including sub-lots), purchase orders will be placed with the awarded Supplier(s) as required by ESPO. Option 2 - Call-off with competition (Further Competitive Selection Process) 'Calling-off' through a further competitive selection process between suppliers appointed to the relevant Lot or Sub-Lot and capable of meeting the requirement. As such, all Framework Suppliers may not be invited to every further competition. Please refer to the tender documents for any further details.

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Tender Period

Ends
2 Oct 2026, 12:00

Enquiry period

Ends
25 Sept 2026, 17:00

Expected award period

Ends
7 Jan 2027, 23:59

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Artist Brushes
Description
The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced artist brushes made of various materials such as hog hair brushes, synthetic brushes, round and flat brushes. These products are intended for use primarily within educational sector, with delivery to ESPO’s distribution centre (Supply Method A).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
724,000
Amount
603,333
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
80
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Non-Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Mar 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
28 Feb 2031, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Options

Description
ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Painting Tools and Equipment
Description
The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced painting tools and equipment, including rollers, painting knives, sponges, mixing tools and other accessories. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
124,000
Amount
103,333
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
80
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Non-Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Mar 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
28 Feb 2031, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Options

Description
ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.
Entry 3
Id
3
Title
Artists Books, Pads and Papers
Description
The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced artists' books, pads and papers, including sketchbooks, cartridge paper, watercolour paper and specialist art papers. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
5,752,000
Amount
4,793,333
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
80
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Non-Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Mar 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
28 Feb 2031, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Options

Description
ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.
Entry 4
Id
4
Title
Drying Racks and Easels
Description
The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced drying racks and easels suitable for use in educational art environments. Products include tabletop and floor-standing easels, drying racks and associated accessories, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre or direct delivery to individual customer establishments (Supply Method A and B).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
640,000
Amount
533,333
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
80
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Non-Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Mar 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
28 Feb 2031, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Options

Description
ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.
Entry 5
Id
5
Title
Portfolios and Canvasses
Description
The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced portfolios and canvases, including canvas boards, stretched canvases, canvas rolls and art storage portfolios. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
496,000
Amount
413,333
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
80
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Non-Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Mar 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
28 Feb 2031, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Options

Description
ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.
Entry 6
Id
6
Title
Pots, Palettes and Jars
Description
The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced products for use with paints and other art materials. Products include paint pots, mixing palettes, water pots, storage jars and related accessories. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
264,000
Amount
220,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
80
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Non-Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Mar 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
28 Feb 2031, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Options

Description
ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
37800000
Description
Handicraft and art supplies
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
39224210
Description
Painters' brushes

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
37800000
Description
Handicraft and art supplies
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
39224210
Description
Painters' brushes

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 3
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
37800000
Description
Handicraft and art supplies
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
30197600
Description
Processed paper and paperboard

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 4
Id
4
Related Lot
4

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
37800000
Description
Handicraft and art supplies

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 5
Id
5
Related Lot
5

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
37800000
Description
Handicraft and art supplies
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
39162000
Description
Educational equipment
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
30197600
Description
Processed paper and paperboard

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 6
Id
6
Related Lot
6

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
37800000
Description
Handicraft and art supplies
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
39162000
Description
Educational equipment

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
L-1
Document Type
biddingDocuments
Description
To tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract e.g., via https://procontract.due-north.com/Register); (c) Search for tender opportunity 161_27 (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal, or alternatively via searching on https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index); (d) Express an interest; (e) Download the tender documents (from the ProContract Activity summary screen).
Entry 2
Id
L-2
Document Type
technicalSpecifications
Description
Please refer to the tender documents (see above for further details including summary instructions on how to access these).
Entry 3
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Entry 4
Id
083497-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
3 Sept 2026, 14:03
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO
Id
GB-PPON-PYDD-1122-TCVN

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PYDD-1122-TCVN

Address

Street Address
Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby
Locality
Leicester
Postal Code
LE19 1ES
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKF22

Contact

Name
Catalogue Procurement Team

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment
Description
Public authority - sub-central government

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Leicester · UKF22 · LE19 1ES · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UK · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

3 published notice versions reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

3 VERSIONS
  1. 041966-2026Pipeline notice on Find a Tender ·
  2. 050151-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
  3. 083497-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·