East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has published a procurement opportunity for s/wp - milk and bread with an estimated value of £2,125,000. The submission deadline is 15 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-10, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The procurement of milk and bread products for use across East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is the contracting authority. The estimated value is £2,125,000 and the deadline is 15 May 2026. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to healthcare providers, social care organisations, NHS suppliers. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in health & nhs contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £2,125,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications
• Capacity to mobilise within East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 15 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032690-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 15 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 15 May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the 15 May 2026 deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032690-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust or the UK government.