How does the merger contract exchange affect me?
Nothing has changed for suppliers' day to day other than we are now part of a larger multi-university group as of the 1st of August 2026. If you are a supplier to Kent your contract will be novated to the new institution.
The legal name of the organisation as of the 1st of August is: London and South East University Group, known as LASE University Group. The name has been approved by the Office for Students (OfS) and the Department for Education (DfE).
For a period of time, LASE University Group will integrate operations into a combined entity, and there will be a contract and supply chain review process which would be expected as contracts meet their end and may then be renegotiated and / or recompeted.
What's changed from the 1st of August 2026?
Your contracts, point of contact, and other factors will remain unchanged. The only major change will be that the respective customer identity changed from University of Greenwich to University of Greenwich (part of London and South East University Group) and, for Kent, University of Kent (part of London and South East University Group).
Who will I be receiving orders and instructions from?
As of 1st of August 2026, Kent and Greenwich merged into LASE. Any activity taking place from 1st August 2026 will be for LASE as indicated. Existing contracts will be novated to LASE.
What processes may change?
LASE University Group will continue to procure through existing channels. No process will change in the short term. Over time, email addresses and processes for ordering, invoicing, and payments may change. Be wary of any communications claiming a change to any detail relating to LASE University Group, particularly bank details, and always confirm and check these with LASE University Group and your usual point of contact.
How does the integration affect an existing supplier?
Under the merger agreement, the business and undertaking of Kent is being transferred to University of Greenwich, as of the 1st of August 2026 our name is now London and South East University Group and adopt new Articles of Association to become a university with two academic divisions – Kent and Greenwich. As part of this, Kent will novate its contracted rights and obligations to LASE University Group, and LASE University Group shall exercise the rights and assume responsibility for the performance of all of the party’s obligations. In relation to suppliers of Greenwich, nothing changes except that we now have a new name – London and South East University Group.
Why do I need to register with the Central Digital Platform?
You will need to be registered with the Central Digital Platform so that Public Sector Authorities can publish the Transparency and Contract Award Notices required by the Procurement Act 2023 if the value of the contract is to be £30,000 or over. (Details at : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-short-guides/central-digital-platform-factsheet-html) . Contract Awards with a value of £30,000 or over are obligated to be published on the CDP by the act.
Why is Cyber Essentials Certification required?
LASE are required to hold the Cyber Essentials status including in our supply chain to be eligible for specific grant funding and other income streams. Please check with LASE if this is necessary for the work you do for us.
What is the submission deadline?
The submission deadline has been extended to 31st of August 2026.
What Insurances are required?
If you are performing any services, you should have the relevant Insurances as identified by law.
When will financial transactions like purchase orders, statements and payments be impacted?
As of the 1st of August 2026, all transactions will be instigated and administered by LASE University Group. All purchase requests and services will be issued and paid by LASE University Group. All Invoices from this date should be to LASE.
I’m expecting a payment from Kent and / or Greenwich, will I still receive it?
Yes. The name of the issuing entity may have changed to the appropriate LASE University Group designation.
Will I be paid from a different bank account?
LASE University Group will update all relevant title to its bank accounts. This will mean that invoices paid from August 2026 onwards will be paid by a “London and South East University Group” bank account. It will take a few days after 1st of August 2026 before the accounts officially change from University of Kent to their new title. The LASE Accounts Payable teams will endeavour to continue to send remittance advices.
I am a current supplier; will I need to sign a new contract to supply goods and services after the integration has taken place?
No, all contracts signed prior to 31st of July 2026 will continue to be valid for the remainder of their term with no changes to the terms and conditions unless otherwise advised. You will be advised of the name change and, if you are a supplier to Kent, will be asked to sign a contract novation to transfer rights and obligations to LASE University Group.
Why have I got a Deed/Letter of Novation?
All University of Kent Contracts will be novated to LASE, as the University of Kent is becoming part of the LASE Group so please sign and return the form to us as soon as possible. The novation does not change the terms of your contract, except to replace Kent with LASE University Group as the legal entity that is contracting with you.
If I have contracts with both Kent and Greenwich, will I be able to consolidate them?
Buying and purchasing systems will operate using separate platforms for the foreseeable future however these will be combined at a point in the future. All transactions from 1st of August 2026 should be undertaken using the new LASE University Group identities. There will be a period of consolidation and review of the existing contracts - however this will likely take a period of time to fully implement.
Who should I speak to if I have further questions about the integration?
Please speak to your regular contact or email procurement@gre.ac.uk