British Council APAC Courier Services: Procurement Timeline, Lot Structure and How to Prepare

The British Council has published a planned procurement notice for International & Domestic Courier Services – Asia Pacific (APAC). With an estimated total value of £8.04 million including VAT, a potential five-year duration, and a planned tender publication date of 23 March 2026, this opportunity is particularly relevant for courier, logistics and delivery service providers operating across Asia Pacific countries.

The requirement will be structured into country-specific lots, allowing suppliers to bid for a single country or multiple territories depending on their operational footprint and capability.

Who Are the British Council?

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It operates globally, supporting education, English language teaching, arts and cultural exchange, and international development programmes.

As a public authority, the British Council runs its own regulated procurement processes and lets contracts both in the UK and internationally. In regions such as Asia Pacific, it often contracts directly with suppliers at local entity level, meaning successful bidders may need to enter into multiple contracts across different countries rather than a single central agreement.

For logistics providers, this means the procurement combines public sector compliance with the practical realities of operating across multiple jurisdictions.

What Is the APAC International & Domestic Courier Services Requirement?

The contract covers international and domestic courier services across Asia Pacific countries. The British Council has confirmed that:

• The procurement will be divided into separate lots for each country
• Suppliers can bid for one or multiple lots
• More than one supplier may be appointed
• Successful suppliers may need to contract with individual British Council entities in different APAC countries

This structure makes the opportunity accessible to both global logistics providers and regional or country-specific SMEs with strong local capability.

Who Should Consider Bidding?

The notice confirms the procurement is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Likely bidders include:

• International courier and logistics providers
• Regional APAC delivery specialists
• Country-specific courier companies
• Providers with strong customs, tracking and cross-border capability

Suppliers do not need to cover the entire APAC region to be competitive, provided they can demonstrate strong service delivery within their chosen lots.

British Council APAC Courier Services Procurement Timeline

This procurement has a relatively tight timetable once the process begins, making early preparation important.

Indicative Procurement Timeline

Given the use of the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, suppliers should expect a structured but adaptable procurement process.

What the British Council Is Likely to Look For

While full evaluation criteria will be confirmed at tender stage, suppliers should expect emphasis on:

• Reliability and service continuity across borders
• Experience delivering courier services in APAC regions
• Customs handling and regulatory compliance
• Tracking, reporting and customer service capability
• Pricing transparency and value for money
• Ability to contract at local entity level

Clear evidence of operational capability within each bid lot will be critical.

How Thornton & Lowe Can Support Courier and Logistics Providers

Thornton & Lowe supports logistics, transport and service providers bidding for UK and international public sector contracts.

Opportunity and Lot Strategy

We help suppliers decide which APAC country lots to bid for and how to position their capability effectively.

Bid Writing and Tender Support

Our bid writing team supports suppliers through participation and tender stages, ensuring responses are clear, compliant and aligned to the evaluation criteria.

SME-Focused Support

For SMEs and regional providers, we provide proportionate support that strengthens governance, evidence and pricing without unnecessary complexity.

Tender Pipeline Monitoring

Through Tender Pipeline, suppliers can track British Council opportunities and related transport and logistics tenders.

Bid Training and Long-Term Capability

We also support teams through bid writing training and mentoring, improving confidence for future international tenders.

Preparing Now Puts You Ahead

With multiple country lots and a competitive timetable, suppliers that prepare early will be best placed to respond efficiently once the tender is published.

Early preparation should focus on:

• Selecting the right country lots
• Gathering APAC-specific case studies
• Reviewing compliance and contracting arrangements
• Preparing pricing and mobilisation approaches

Final Thoughts

The British Council’s APAC courier services procurement offers a valuable opportunity for both global and regional logistics providers. The flexible lot structure and SME-friendly approach make this a tender where targeted, well-prepared bids can succeed.

If you are considering bidding and want support with strategy, bid preparation or submission, Thornton & Lowe can support you from early planning through to contract award.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the tender expected to be published?
The estimated publication date is 23 March 2026.

Can suppliers bid for only one country?
Yes. Suppliers can bid for a single lot or multiple country lots.

Who is the buyer?
The British Council, contracting through its APAC country entities.

Is the procurement suitable for SMEs?
Yes. SME participation is specifically encouraged.