Graduation and Ceremonial Gowns, Photography and Event Services
Framework Description
Graduation and Ceremonial Gowns, Photography and Event Services (PFB5073 LU) is a framework agreement let by LUPC (London Universities Purchasing Consortium). It has three lots: graduation gown hire or purchase, photography and media services, and a one-stop shop. Applications for this framework are closed, and it ends on 2 July 2027, with no extension option. This framework is used by LUPC, APUC, SUPC and NWUPC.
Context & Use Case
Universities and colleges use it to contract the gown hire, photography and event support for graduation ceremonies, which are high-profile events with large numbers of graduates and guests. Contracts are often concession-based, with graduates paying for gowns and photographs, so the institution's priority is service quality and the graduate experience.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Graduation gown hire or purchase Lot 2: Photography and media services Lot 3: One-stop shop
Lots
Lot 1 - Graduation Gown Hire or Purchase; Lot 2 - Photography and Media Services; Lot 3 - One Stop Shop
Who Can Apply
Suits academic dress makers and hirers, graduation photographers and media firms, and providers able to offer gowns and photography as a combined one-stop service. Applications for this framework are closed, so suppliers not already appointed cannot join until LUPC re-tenders it, likely before 2 July 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Graduation reflects directly on an institution's reputation, so buyers want suppliers with a proven record at large ceremonies. A framework gives them suppliers already assessed on capacity and quality, with agreed terms, which avoids a full tender for a service that runs each year.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should approach institutions planning their 2027 ceremonies. Others should watch LUPC's tender notices for any replacement and prepare evidence of ceremony capacity, graduate satisfaction and commission or concession terms. Ceremony references from several institutions will strengthen a bid, as will evidence on gown quality and stock levels.
How Athena Can Help
Graduation contracts are won on experience at scale and graduate satisfaction. Athena's bid narrative writing sets out your ceremony track record clearly and checks it for compliance.
Ahead of LUPC's re-tender, our framework submission planning builds the evidence and case studies. Our concession pricing advice helps you model commission offers that win and stay profitable. We can also help appointed suppliers respond quickly to institutions running their own competitions for 2027 ceremonies.
