As one of only 8 companies named on the ‘strategy and planning’ section of the framework, ICE has been highlighted as a preferred supplier to develop social marketing strategies and practical programme planning.

The listing means ICE will now be able to compete for social marketing projects with up to 50 NHS organisations without having to go through a lengthy procurement process for each contract. The framework will remain in place for three years, with the option of a further year also available.

It comes after NHS North West undertook a rigorous and highly competitive review process which examined the full range of expertise required.

Stuart Jackson, CEO of ICE, said, “We specialise in campaigns and interventions that make a real difference to people’s lives - helping to educate, inform and support a move or change in behaviour - and this is a golden opportunity to bring in some exciting new clients and work on some great new projects.

“As a team, ICE passionately believes in social marketing as a tool for positive behaviour change spanning a wide range of social and public health issues. This framework covers a wide ranging social marketing brief and will be vital in generating long-term, sustainable benefits across the region.”

The news comes just only a week after ICE’s social marketers addressed an international conference at the University of South Florida. The award-winning and fast-expanding company has also recently opened new permanent bases in the South East (London) and the South West (Bristol).