Pre-Market Engagement: Supply Framework for Artist Supplies and Painting Materials

ESPO, the trading department of Leicestershire County Council, is a non-profit organization operated jointly by six local authorities. ESPO maintains a catalogue of over 28,000 products serving education and public sector customers across the UK. ESPO is conducting preliminary market engagement to establish a framework agreement for the supply of artist grounds, brushes, art pads, and painting tools. Selected suppliers will deliver products for ESPO's resale through its distribution model, with goods typically shipped to ESPO's Leicester distribution centre or directly to customers throughout the UK on demand. The framework will be organized into seven product lots: - Lot 1: Artist Brushes - Lot 2: Painting Tools and Equipment - Lot 3: Artist Books, Pads and Papers - Lot 4: Canvasses and Wooden Easels - Lot 5: Drying Racks and Metal Easels - Lot 6: Portfolios - Lot 7: Pots, Palettes and Jars This pre-market engagement seeks to identify capable suppliers with demonstrated experience delivering art supplies. ESPO is requesting information from interested organizations to refine framework requirements. This is a preliminary engagement notice only—tender documentation is not yet available, and lot structures may be refined before the formal tender process launches.