Guidance

Communications Marketplace: a guide for suppliers

Communications Marketplace is an online directory of suppliers for the purchase of low value communication services across the public sector

This guidance was withdrawn on

The Communications Marketplace has been closed following the launch of the Communication Services framework. Agencies may wish to register to receive alerts for future public sector communications opportunities on Contracts Finder - https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder

Overview

If you are a supplier of communication services, Communications Marketplace from the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is a way for you to promote your services to public sector organisations.

The marketplace is designed specifically for low value communication services (typically below £100,000) and is hosted on Contracts Directory, which sits alongside Dynamic Marketplace on Government eMarketplace.

Suppliers of all sizes, including small agencies and sole traders can register; helping reduce the cost and time burden when competing for public sector business.

Communications Marketplace is an online directory; it is not a framework agreement. It complements and supports the full range of CCS communications agreements.

Why sign up to Communications Marketplace?

Communications Marketplace enables public sector buyers to quickly and easily search, review and get quotes from suppliers who can meet their specific low value needs.

You can respond to organisations looking for communications services directly through the marketplace and benefits of the being on Communications Marketplace include:

  • customers can search and filter for suitable suppliers based on criteria such as the locations you cover and the services you can offer
  • customers can interact directly with you through Contracts Directory
  • you can register your business in the directory for a wide range of marketing disciplines (you are not restricted to just one service)
  • you can further promote your services to customers through a profile page

Services available

You can register your business for the following service areas in Communications Marketplace:

  • integrated marketing
  • public relations and related services
  • events and exhibitions
  • production services
  • brand and design
  • writing and editorial
  • photography
  • digital marketing services
  • direct marketing services
  • parliamentary monitoring
  • media forward planning

Each of these categories is further divided into specialist service areas. A full list of the specialist service areas is provided in the guidance notes (PDF, 472 KB, 12 pages).

How to register

To register on Communications Marketplace you will need to:

  1. complete the registration process here.

  2. complete the supplier discipline selection sheet (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 98.5 KB) to confirm which services you offer and in which locations. Please email your completed sheet to eMarketplace@crowncommercial.gov.uk. When completing this sheet please deselect any services or locations that are not relevant to your organisation.

Already registered? Log on to Communications Marketplace in Contracts Directory here

Government eMarketplace certification

If you are registering on the eMarketplace as a new supplier this step is included in the registration process.

If you are already registered on the eMarketplace please log in and make sure your certification is complete. Once you have logged in you will find this under Settings > Community Registration.

Already registered? Log on to Communications Marketplace in Contracts Directory here

Help and support

For help or further information on Communications Marketplace please call 0345 010 3503 or email supplier@crowncommercial.gov.uk.

Published 31 July 2014
Last updated 12 March 2015 + show all updates
  1. Supplier registration period now closed.

  2. Supplier registration is now open until 4pm on 3 March 2015.

  3. First published.