Corporate Design Services Framework
Framework Description
Newcastle City Council's Corporate Design Services Framework (OPEN portal reference OPEN2026755) will replace the council's current design framework, which expires in March 2027. It has two lots, Standard Corporate Design and Creative Services, with up to six agencies in each. The framework is due to start on 13 March 2027 for two years, with two 12-month extension options taking it to 12 March 2031. Its estimated value is £500,000 excluding VAT.
Context & Use Case
Only Newcastle City Council can use the framework. Council teams will award work through further competitions between the appointed agencies: corporate publications such as leaflets, posters, reports and newsletters under Lot 1, and campaigns, digital design and branding under Lot 2. Tenders closed on 11 September 2026 and were scored 70% on quality, including social value, and 30% on price.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Standard Corporate Design (leaflets, posters, logos, reports, brochures, newsletters) Lot 2: Creative Services (digital campaigns, graphic design and at least three further disciplines) Brand concept, creation and development Infographics and web design and build Social media, marketing and campaign strategy Photography, video and multimedia production Advertising and media planning
Lots
Lot 1 - Standard Corporate Design; Lot 2 - Creative Services
Who Can Apply
Suits design studios, creative and digital agencies and marketing consultancies, and the notice flags it as suitable for SMEs and VCSEs. Agencies could bid for either or both lots. The tender closed on 11 September 2026, so agencies that did not bid cannot join this framework and should prepare for its re-tender at the end of its term.
Buyer Benefits
The council gets a vetted pool of up to twelve agencies on agreed terms, so teams can run a quick further competition instead of a full tender for each brief. Lot 2's multi-discipline requirement means one agency can carry a campaign from concept to delivery, and the social value weighting rewards agencies that add local value.
Next Steps
If you tendered, look out for the council's award decision, which was due in October 2026, and get a portfolio, rate card and campaign case studies ready for further competitions from March 2027. If you did not bid, keep the Find a Tender notice (2026/S 000-074009) on file and register on the OPEN e-tendering portal to catch the re-tender and other Newcastle design work.
How Athena Can Help
Places on this framework are only the start: work is won through further competitions. If you tendered, Athena's bid management team can sharpen your win themes, case studies and pricing so you score well on each brief.
If you missed this tender, our framework pipeline planning keeps similar council design frameworks in view and prepares your portfolio, policies and social value evidence early, and our bid/no-bid advice helps you choose which creative tenders are worth pursuing before the next Newcastle re-tender.
