---
title: "Prestige Appointed to ESPO Framework 704_26: Lot 4"
canonical: "https://prestigecommercialconsulting.co.uk/articles/prestige-appointed-espo-framework-704-26"
author: "Prestige Commercial Consulting Limited"
category: "Company News and Procurement Support"
published: "2026-09-01"
modified: ""
read_time: "3 min read"
keywords: ["UK public procurement", "Company News and Procurement Support", "contract management", "supplier readiness", "procurement evaluation", "public procurement frameworks"]
---

# Prestige Appointed to ESPO Framework 704_26: Lot 4

Prestige has joined ESPO Framework 704_26 Lot 4, giving public-sector buyers access to procurement and contract management support for outsourced catering.

Prestige Commercial Consulting Limited has been appointed as a supplier on Lot 4 of ESPO Framework 704_26: Outsourced Catering Services and Procurement Support.

From the 1st of September 2026, the framework gives public-sector organisations a route to procure outsourced catering services across education, social care and the wider public sector. Lot 4, Procurement Consultancy and Contract Management Support for Outsourced Catering Services, enables customers to bring in specialist help when planning, procuring, mobilising or managing an outsourced catering service.

## What Lot 4 is designed to support

Lot 4 covers the practical work needed to turn a catering requirement into a well-defined procurement and a contract that can be managed from mobilisation onwards. This can include gathering information, documenting requirements, shaping evaluation methodology and preparing the procurement documents needed for a further competition.

The scope also extends to managing clarification questions, supporting site visits, supplier demonstrations and interviews, drafting contract documents and preparing for mobilisation. After award, support can continue through performance and KPI monitoring, supplier relationship management, site audits and the identification of cost or efficiency opportunities.

Prestige can provide independent, director-led support across these stages. We focus on clear requirements, proportionate governance, usable documentation and an audit trail that supports the customer's decisions. Where support involves evaluation, award or contract approvals, those decisions remain with the customer.

## How customers can use the framework

Customers must first be registered with ESPO and obtain the framework documents and access instructions from ESPO. Lot 4 permits either direct award or a further competitive selection process.

A direct award is governed by the objective mechanism in Framework Schedule 4; it is not an unrestricted choice of supplier. Where the customer applies that mechanism and it identifies Prestige, the customer sends the Lot 4 call-off documents directly to us. Alternatively, the customer may run a further competition in accordance with the framework documents.

ESPO provides access to the framework and its documents, while each customer remains responsible for its call-off route, approvals and award decision.

## Working with Prestige

Outsourced catering is not simply a tender exercise. Requirements must work for service users and frontline teams, while evaluation, workforce implications, mobilisation, performance measures and commercial controls need to align.

Prestige works alongside procurement, service, finance and operational teams, providing additional capacity and informed challenge without displacing the customer's accountability. Our wider procurement and contract management offer is set out on the [Prestige services page](https://prestigecommercialconsulting.co.uk/services).

## How to start

To access Framework 704_26, visit the [ESPO framework page](https://www.espo.org/outsourced-catering-services-and-procurement-support-704-26.html), follow the customer access process and quote reference 704_26.

To discuss a potential Lot 4 requirement with Prestige, email requests@prestigecommercialconsulting.co.uk. Please include the framework reference and a short outline of the service, anticipated timetable and support required.

## Important scope note

This article is general information, not legal advice. Customers should check current law and guidance, use the current ESPO framework documents, apply the relevant call-off procedure and follow their own governance, delegation and approval requirements before making an award.

## About this article

Published by [Prestige Commercial Consulting Limited](https://prestigecommercialconsulting.co.uk/about).
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This article provides general procurement information and does not constitute legal advice.