Decision
Analysis
outcome: The decision outcome is to award a contract to UK Productions Ltd for the provision of an annual pantomime at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton for a three-year term at an estimated contract price of £427,000.
summary: The decision at stake is the appointment of UK Productions Ltd to deliver pantomimes in partnership with Floral Pavilion for a 3-year term.
topline: The Director of Neighbourhood Services has decided to award a contract to UK Productions Ltd for the provision of pantomimes at Floral Pavilion for a 3-year term.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves awarding a contract to a specific company without tendering for a shorter term, potentially raising concerns about fairness and competition.
affected_stakeholders: ["Floral Pavilion", "UK Productions Ltd", "Local community", "Council"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6054
Decision Maker: Director of Neighbourhood Services
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: This report seeks approval for the appointment of UK Productions Ltd to deliver pantomimes in partnership with Floral Pavilion as a co production. The contract term will be for 3 years (2025-2028) with no extension provision. The most competitive tender price is provided by producers when a longer-term assurance is given with the submitted prices being significantly lower. This is the rationale for not tendering for a one- or two-year period. The estimated total cost of the contract based on previous ticket yield will be approximately c. £1,208,000 over its 3-year term. The decision links to the Council Plan 2023-2027 through delivering people focused regeneration by ensuring footfall to the area boosting the local economy as well as creating a more efficient, effective and accessible council by allowing the Floral Pavilion to earn income to offset its subsidy.
Content: This report seeks approval for the appointment of UK Productions Ltd to deliver pantomimes in partnership with Floral Pavilion as a co production. The contract term will be for 3 years (2025-2028) with no extension provision. The most competitive tender price is provided by producers when a longer-term assurance is given with the submitted prices being significantly lower. This is the rationale for not tendering for a one- or two-year period. The estimated total cost of the contract based on previous ticket yield will be approximately c. £1,208,000 over its 3-year term. The decision links to the Council Plan 2023-2027 through delivering people focused regeneration by ensuring footfall to the area boosting the local economy as well as creating a more efficient, effective and accessible council by allowing the Floral Pavilion to earn income to offset its subsidy. The Director of Neighbourhood Services has approved that: (1) the process for identifying a preferred tenderer as set out in paragraph 3 of the accompanying report be endorsed; and (2) a contract be awarded to UK Productions Ltd as the most advantageous tenderer for the provision of an annual pantomime at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton for a three year term at an estimated contract price of £427,000.
Date of Decision: July 28, 2025