Accelerating UK industry through Big Science
The UK Industrial Liaison Office (ILO) accelerates innovation by connecting businesses with opportunities at world-leading international research facilities.
Connecting UK Industry to the frontiers of science
The UK ILO, part of the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), links UK businesses with Big Science procurement and innovation opportunities at world-class research facilities, from particle accelerators to telescopes and lasers.
By engaging with Big Science, companies access international markets, cutting-edge technologies, and collaborative opportunities that drive innovation, build capabilities, and bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. Our mission is to help UK industry thrive, grow, and contribute to a globally competitive research ecosystem.
How we support UK businesses in Big Science
- Share opportunities: We provide early notice of tender opportunities from international Big Science facilities.
- Guide the process: Our experts help businesses navigate requirements and prepare strong submissions.
- Connect suppliers: We introduce UK companies to facility specialists and procurement teams, opening doors to new markets.
- Track and showcase UK impact: Working with Big Science not only brings economic returns but also drives innovation, builds capability, and boosts UK companies’ global competitiveness.
Our impact
Our upcoming events
Explore new opportunities in Big Science
Explore our international facilities
Not sure what you need? We can help.
Work with the UK ILO to get guidance, explore opportunities, and connect with world-leading science facilities.
FAQs
What documents do I need to bid?
Each facility has different rules, so read the documentation carefully! If anything is unclear, contact the ILO team or the facility procurement team, who will be happy to help.
What sectors are included in Big Science procurement?
Big Science procurement covers a very wide range of sectors, from civil engineering to IT hardware, professional services, ground maintenance, safety supplies as well as innovative technologies.
Do I need to register separately with each facility?
You only need to register with the UK ILO once for us to start identifying suitable opportunities. However, most facilities still require suppliers to register directly on their own procurement portals to bid, and in some cases to access full tender documentation. We’ll guide you through which registrations are needed and when.
Does my company need to be based in the UK?
Yes. To qualify for support from the UK Industrial Liaison Office there are slightly different criteria for supplies and services:
- For supplies, a company must manufacture in the UK, or the products must undergo their last major transformation (including components and sub-assemblies) within the UK.
- For services, a company must be established in the UK
How can I increase my chances of winning business with Big Science facilities?
The most important factors are ensuring you are registered with the Tender Opportunities service to receive tenders from all facilities, and that you read each tender in detail to ensure you are meeting all requirements. Many decisions are made on a Lowest Cost Compliant basis, so any additional functionality over and above the specification should be included as a separate add-on.
For CERN contracts specifically, see our Tips for bidding at CERN .
Do I bid in Pounds or the local currency of the organisation?
Different facilities will have different policies. Read the guidance carefully for each tender to determine which currency to bid in.
Can I subcontract and/or bid as part of a consortium?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Can I win multi-year standing orders?
Multi-year and framework contracts are available. Contact the ILO team for support.
Can I win repeat orders or is every order independent?
Every order is independent, although repeat orders may be requested from companies under a framework contract.
Who can supply to Big Science facilities?
All UK companies can supply to Big Science facilities. For support from the ILO, UK companies must:
- For supplies, a company must manufacture in the UK, or the products must undergo their last major transformation (including components and sub-assemblies) within the UK.
- For services, a company must be established in the UK.
Can I get help with exporting?
The ILO does not provide support for exporting, we recommend speaking to UK Export Finance for expert advice.
Want to work with the UK ILO?
Get support, access opportunities, and connect with international science facilities.
