Brighton Centre Ticketing system 2027

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

3 minute read  •  Updated September 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

It's not just about tickets

When you look at this tender, the word "ticketing" might jump out at you.

But there's much more beneath the surface.

Brighton and Hove City Council isn't just looking for a ticketing system.

They're seeking a comprehensive solution that will transform the Brighton Centre into a seamless, efficient hub for entertainment and events.

The contract covers a wide range of services: a hosted ticketing platform, a box office system, access control, CRM and marketing, financial reporting, customer service and all the necessary hardware and software.

This isn't just about selling tickets.

It's about creating an integrated experience that maximises sales, engages customers and boosts the Council's income.

Think about the audience

Who are the end users?

Not just the Council, but the 225,000 people buying tickets each year.

And they’re not just numbers.

They're concert-goers, conference attendees and event participants with high expectations.

If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my solution improves their experience.

From a smooth online purchase to an efficient entry process, every touchpoint matters.

Don't just promise, prove it

Evidence always beats promises.

Every bidder will say their system is efficient and user-friendly.

But very few will prove it.

If you've got case studies, testimonials or performance data, now's the time to use them.

  • Show how you've previously handled similar volumes of ticket sales
  • Provide examples of improved customer satisfaction with your system
  • Supply data on increased sales or engagement from other venues

That's the kind of proof that can make your bid stand out.

Pay attention to what they say

Brighton and Hove City Council is clear on their priorities.

Maximising ticket sales, engaging customers and boosting commercial income are key.

The notice emphasises a "fully managed hosted ticketing solution".

That tells me they're looking for a partner who can handle everything without adding to their workload.

Your response should clearly show how you'll take the reins and deliver these outcomes.

Consistency over the long term

This contract runs from July 2027 to July 2032, with the possibility of extending to 2034.

That's up to seven years of service.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself is the importance of consistency.

How will you maintain high standards over the whole term?

I'd want to see plans for dealing with staff turnover, ensuring regular updates to the system and keeping customer satisfaction high throughout.

Remember the local context

The Brighton Centre is a significant venue in the South East.

Its events contribute to the local economy and cultural vibrancy.

Understanding this context can help shape your response.

If I were crafting this bid, I'd highlight how my solution supports not just the venue but the broader community and local businesses.

Address the Council's worries

Every buyer has worries.

For Brighton and Hove City Council, I'd guess they include:

  • Will the system handle the ticket volume seamlessly?
  • Can it engage a diverse audience effectively?
  • Will it integrate well with existing systems?
  • How will it adapt to future technological changes?
  • Is there a robust plan for customer service?

Address these head-on in your submission.

Make life easier for the Council

Every contract should make the buyer's life easier.

Your solution should reduce the workload for the Council's staff.

How will your system simplify financial reporting and customer service?

How will you ensure the Council doesn’t have to chase for updates or support?

That's what I'd build my submission around.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Overlook the importance of customer engagement
  • Fail to provide evidence of past successes
  • Ignore the need for long-term consistency
  • Neglect the integration with existing systems
  • Overpromise without clear plans for delivery
  • Miss the local context and its significance
  • Focus solely on ticketing without addressing the broader solution
  • Forget to address the Council’s potential worries

My Final Thoughts

The Brighton Centre Ticketing System 2027 tender is about much more than just selling tickets.

It's about creating an integrated, efficient system that enhances the venue's operations and customer experience.

With a contract value of £73.5 million and the potential to run until 2034, this is a substantial opportunity.

Quality here carries significant weight because the Council wants more than just a system.

They want a partner who can deliver a comprehensive solution and manage it effectively over the long term.

Thanks for reading.

I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

P.S. Got a question?

If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.

Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.

kim@bidtrawler.com

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About our "How to Win This Contract" guides

Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.

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