Louth and Meath ETB Secures €216,000 Framework for Specialised Beauty Equipment

A single-party framework agreement for the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of specialised beauty equipment worth €216,000 has been awarded by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). The contract, won by Advanced Skincare Ltd, demonstrates how Irish education and training boards are equipping their further education colleges with industry-standard beauty therapy equipment to support vocational training.

Introduction

Every student training in beauty therapy deserves access to industry-standard equipment to develop the practical skills needed for employment. Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) has taken a significant step to support vocational education by awarding a new framework agreement for the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of specialised beauty equipment.

While not a headline-grabbing infrastructure deal, this contract is fundamental to ensuring that beauty therapy students across LMETB's further education colleges have access to professional-grade equipment. It reveals a great deal about how Irish education and training boards procure specialist vocational equipment to support skills development.

Why This Contract Matters

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) is responsible for providing education and training services across counties Louth and Meath in Ireland. The board operates a network of further education colleges, offering vocational courses in a range of disciplines, including beauty therapy.

Beauty therapy courses require specialised equipment, including skincare devices, electrical treatment machines, and salon furniture. Students must be trained on equipment that reflects current industry standards to ensure they are job-ready upon graduation. This framework ensures that LMETB's beauty therapy departments have access to high-quality, professional equipment.

Contract Timeline

• Previous notice referenced: 0f8bf3dc-5bed-47cd-931d-b8b11899d50f-01
• Contract award notice published: 27 July 2026 (OJ S 142/2026)
• Date winner chosen: 15 July 2026
• Contract concluded: 15 July 2026

Contract Overview

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board conducted an open procedure for a single-party framework agreement for the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of specialised beauty equipment. The contract covers the provision of beauty equipment and associated services for LMETB's further education colleges.

The estimated value of the framework is €216,000. The contract duration is 4 years. The framework is a single-supplier framework without reopening of competition. One bid was received, from Advanced Skincare Ltd, which was selected as the winner.

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting Authority	Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB)
Winning Bidder	Advanced Skincare Ltd
Contract Subject	Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (CPV 33000000), Beauty products (CPV 33711400), Hairdressing and beauty treatment services (CPV 98320000)
Procedure Type	Open procedure
Legal Basis	Directive 2014/24/EU
Estimated Value (ex-VAT)	€216,000.00
Contract Duration	4 Years
Award Criteria	Cost and Quality (1000 marks total)
Bids Received	1
EU Funding	None disclosed
Covered by GPA	Yes
Review Organisation	The High Court of Ireland

Project Scope

The framework agreement covers the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of specialised beauty equipment. The scope includes:

• Supply: Provision of specialised beauty equipment, including skincare devices, electrical treatment machines, salon furniture, and other beauty therapy equipment.
• Delivery: Delivery of equipment to LMETB's further education colleges.
• Installation: Professional installation of equipment at the colleges.
• Commissioning: Commissioning and testing of equipment to ensure it is fully operational and safe for student use.

About the Contracting Authority

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) is one of Ireland's 16 Education and Training Boards, responsible for providing education and training services across counties Louth and Meath. LMETB operates a network of further education colleges, post-primary schools, and training centres, offering a wide range of vocational and academic programmes. The board is committed to providing students with industry-standard facilities and equipment to support their learning and employability.

About the Winning Company

Advanced Skincare Ltd is a micro Irish company based in Stamullen, County Meath. The company specialises in the supply of professional skincare and beauty equipment to salons, colleges, and training providers across Ireland. With a focus on industry-standard products and professional service, Advanced Skincare is well-positioned to supply, deliver, install, and commission specialised beauty equipment for LMETB's further education colleges.

Procurement Analysis

Procedure: An open procedure was used, which is the most transparent and inclusive method under EU law, allowing any interested supplier to submit a bid. One bid was received, submitted electronically.

Competition: Only one bid was received for this contract. This reflects the specialised nature of beauty equipment supply, where a limited number of suppliers may have the capacity to provide the full range of equipment and services required.

Award Criteria: The award criteria are based on cost and quality, with a total of 1000 marks available. The specific weighting between cost and quality is not detailed in the notice, but the "Ultimate Cost to the Contracting Authority" suggests that price is a significant factor alongside quality.

Framework Structure: The agreement is a single-supplier framework without reopening of competition, meaning that LMETB can directly call off equipment and services against the framework terms for the duration of the contract.

GPA Status: The procurement is covered by the World Trade Organization's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), meaning it was, in principle, open to qualifying international bidders.

Additional Procurement Facts

• Only one tender was received for this procurement.
• No subcontracting was used by the winning bidder.
• The contract duration is 4 years.
• No EU funding was used for this procurement.
• Disputes or review requests fall to The High Court of Ireland.

Market & Industry Perspective

The market for beauty equipment supply in Ireland is specialised, with a limited number of suppliers capable of providing the full range of equipment required for vocational beauty therapy courses. The single-bidder outcome reflects this market structure.

The cost and quality award criteria (with a total of 1000 marks) reflect the importance of both value for money and product quality in vocational equipment procurement. Beauty therapy students require equipment that is reliable, safe, and reflective of current industry standards.

The single-supplier framework provides continuity for LMETB, ensuring that the board can source equipment from a single, reliable supplier over the 4-year contract period.

Economic Significance

At €216,000 over 4 years, this framework agreement represents a modest but important investment in vocational education equipment. The contract ensures that beauty therapy students at LMETB's further education colleges have access to professional-grade equipment to develop the practical skills needed for employment.

For Advanced Skincare Ltd, the framework provides a stable, multi-year revenue stream and the opportunity to serve as the preferred supplier to LMETB's further education colleges.

Future Procurement Opportunities

This framework agreement covers beauty equipment supply through approximately 2030. Related procurement opportunities may include:

• Beauty equipment consumables and supplies
• Other vocational education equipment (hairdressing, hospitality, etc.)
• IT and classroom equipment
• Facilities and building maintenance

Opportunities for Suppliers

Suppliers of vocational equipment active in the Irish education sector should note the importance of single-supplier frameworks in providing revenue stability. The cost and quality award criteria reward suppliers who can demonstrate both competitive pricing and high-quality products.

Key success factors include: competitive pricing, high-quality equipment that meets industry standards, reliable delivery and installation services, and strong customer support.

What Businesses Should Watch

• Similar vocational equipment opportunities from other Irish Education and Training Boards.
• The evolution of beauty therapy course requirements and equipment standards.
• Opportunities for subcontracting or partnership with Advanced Skincare Ltd.
• Other procurement opportunities from LMETB.

IrelandTender Procurement Intelligence

This contract is a useful case study in how Irish Education and Training Boards procure specialised vocational equipment. LMETB has secured a €216,000 framework for specialised beauty equipment, with Advanced Skincare Ltd selected through an open procedure.

The most notable feature of this tender is the single-bidder outcome, which reflects the specialised nature of beauty equipment supply. The limited number of suppliers with the capability to provide the full range of equipment and services required means that competition is limited. This highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships with specialised suppliers and ensuring continuity of supply for vocational education programmes.

The cost and quality award criteria (with a total of 1000 marks) reflect the balanced importance of both value for money and product quality. Beauty therapy students require equipment that is reliable, safe, and reflective of current industry standards, making quality a critical factor alongside cost.

For suppliers, the lesson is that specialised expertise and reliability are essential for vocational equipment supply in the education sector. Companies that can demonstrate high-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable service are best positioned for these specialised contracts.

Supplier Takeaways

• Specialised expertise in beauty equipment supply is essential.
• Cost and quality are both important in evaluation (1000 marks).
• Single-bidder outcomes are typical for specialised equipment supply.
• Single-supplier frameworks offer revenue stability.
• Reliable delivery, installation, and commissioning services are critical.
• Vocational education is a growing market for specialised equipment.

Key Takeaways

• LMETB awarded a €216,000 framework for specialised beauty equipment to Advanced Skincare Ltd.
• The contract covers supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of beauty equipment for further education colleges.
• Award criteria: Cost and Quality (1000 marks).
• Only one bid was received, from the winning supplier.
• Contract duration: 4 Years.
• The contract supports vocational training in beauty therapy for students in counties Louth and Meath.

Conclusion

This is not a contract that will make national headlines, but it reflects something structurally important about how Irish Education and Training Boards support vocational education through specialised equipment procurement. By awarding a €216,000 framework for specialised beauty equipment to Advanced Skincare Ltd, LMETB ensures that its beauty therapy students have access to industry-standard equipment to develop the practical skills needed for employment. The contract demonstrates the importance of specialised expertise, reliability, and quality in vocational education procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Louth and Meath Education and Training Board?

It is one of Ireland's 16 Education and Training Boards, responsible for providing education and training services across counties Louth and Meath.

Q: What does this framework cover?

It covers the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of specialised beauty equipment for LMETB's further education colleges.

Q: Who is the winning bidder?

Advanced Skincare Ltd, a micro Irish company based in Stamullen, County Meath, specialising in professional skincare and beauty equipment supply.

Q: What is the value of this framework?

The estimated value is €216,000 over 4 years.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

No. The notice confirms the project is not financed with EU funds, though it is governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 517531-2026, OJ S 142/2026, published 27 July 2026.