The verdict in three sentences
A chamber of commerce or other publicly funded body redesigning its website must first estimate the total requirement, including three years of support, because that figure drives the procedure. A 60% quality / 40% price weighting remains the safest way to avoid awarding to the cheapest and weakest bid. With 4 to 7 bids received on average, a precise scoring grid is the difference between a defensible award and a challenge.
Which procedure applies to your estimated value
The most common mistake is estimating only the build. The Procurement Act 2023, in force since February 2025, requires the whole contract value over its full term, support and hosting included. A GBP 38,000 site with GBP 20,000 of support over 3 years is a GBP 58,000 requirement. Note that a private, membership-funded chamber is not bound by the Act, but many follow the same discipline for grant-funded projects.
| Estimated value (all lots, excl. VAT) | Applicable route | Publication | Indicative timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under GBP 30,000 | direct award possible, 3 quotes recommended | none required | 2 to 4 weeks |
| GBP 30,000 to 75,000 | below-threshold competition | Find a Tender notice | 20 to 30 days |
| GBP 75,000 to threshold | below-threshold competition | Find a Tender notice | 30 days |
| Above the sub-central threshold (about GBP 215,000 incl. VAT) | open or competitive flexible procedure | Find a Tender tender notice | 25 days minimum |
| Framework call-off (e.g. CCS Digital Marketplace) | mini-competition | within the framework | 2 to 4 weeks |
For most regional chambers, a redesign sits between GBP 30,000 and GBP 100,000 over 3 years: a below-threshold competition with real freedom of design, provided the evaluation method is published up front. Thresholds are revised every two years, so check the current figure before launching.
The scoring grid that selects the right supplier
A vague grid (quality: 60%) invites challenge from an unsuccessful bidder. You need scored sub-criteria, published in the tender documents. The Act's test is the Most Advantageous Tender.
| Criterion | Weight | What you actually assess |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding and methodology | 20% | workshops, proposed sitemap, handling content from members and departments |
| Technical quality and security | 15% | CMS, UK or EU hosting, backup plan, UK GDPR |
| Accessibility and performance | 10% | committed WCAG 2.2 AA conformance, Core Web Vitals |
| Team and references | 10% | 2 to 3 comparable public sector references, project lead CV |
| Plan and exit | 5% | realistic milestones, data export at contract end |
| Total price (build + 3-year support) | 40% | proportional formula on the pricing schedule |
Add a 45-minute presentation for the top 3 bidders, scored under methodology. In one hour it reveals what a 40-page method statement often hides.
Realistic budget and tender pack
| Contract item | 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Website build (40 to 80 pages, CMS, events and training directory) | GBP 30,000 to 60,000 |
| Initial accessibility audit and re-test | GBP 3,500 to 6,000 |
| Content migration and 301 redirects | GBP 2,500 to 5,000 |
| Support and maintenance, 3 years | GBP 15,000 to 25,000 |
| Managed hosting, 3 years | GBP 3,000 to 7,500 |
| Editor training | GBP 1,200 to 2,500 |
A typical tender pack includes instructions to bidders, terms and conditions, a specification, a pricing schedule and the form of tender. The specification must set volumes: page count, number of editors, integrations (CRM, event booking, member directory).
Mini case study
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Emma, procurement lead for a chamber of commerce in Leeds, estimated her redesign at GBP 28,000 and planned a direct award. Adding 3 years of support (GBP 20,000) and hosting (GBP 4,500), the requirement reached GBP 52,500: a published competition was needed. She issued a pack with the 60/40 grid, received 6 bids between GBP 41,000 and GBP 78,000, and awarded a GBP 54,000 bid ranked first on quality. The cheapest bid, at GBP 41,000, included neither an accessibility audit nor an exit plan: its quality score of 31/60 ruled it out despite a 24% lower price.
FAQ
What threshold triggers a full procedure for a website in 2026?
Above the sub-central authority threshold of about GBP 215,000 including VAT. Below it, and above about GBP 30,000, a published below-threshold competition applies.
Should maintenance be included in the contract estimate?
Yes, all services over the contract term count. Support of GBP 15,000 to 25,000 over 3 years can push a project above the GBP 30,000 publication threshold.
Which price and quality weighting should we use?
A 60% quality and 40% price split is the most common for professional services. Going below 30% price is possible but should be justified.
How many bids does a chamber usually receive?
Between 4 and 7 for a well-published redesign competition. A 30-day window and a precise specification increase the number of qualified responses.
Can a non-UK agency bid?
Yes, provided it supplies equivalent tax and insurance evidence and meets the supplier registration on the Central Digital Platform. Data hosting must still meet the specification's UK GDPR requirements.
Let's scope your project. Send us your tender pack or scope (pages, editors, support), and we will respond with a bid structured around your scoring grid. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
