Wait. What? Business Growth in 2020?

Pippa Birch introduces Pipster's new Bid Writers

I never thought I'd actually be writing this, but I have STAFF. Having been freelance for almost 9 years, this will take some getting used to! The decision has not been taken lightly, but one week in and I am already realising what a brilliant move this is for the company and for our clients.

Bucking the trend, 2020 has actually been stupidly busy for me in terms of work. Lockdown forced operational managers back into their homes to start thinking about future work and bids. And they all called me to discuss, strategise and plan their pipelines. Public procurement didn't stop, albeit some projects suffered a short delay, and I found myself working 7 days a week to keep up - I am, after all, only one person. And I had nothing to do on the weekends anymore, so why not?

Toward the end of the summer, the additional working started to take its toll. Looking at my programme board, I realised that November would see the influx of so many bids for my clients that I couldn't possibly hope to complete them all on my own. Not to mention the absolute certainty that 2021 will be booming in terms of procurement. This caused me to have a bit of a panic. I love my clients and didn't want to let any of them down by being spread too thinly. So I sat down, took a deep breath, and started talking to people about my worries. I sought some excellent advice from family and industry colleagues and realised I either had to tell my regular clients I couldn't do the booked work for them (which I didn't feel was an option) or I needed to get help. And so began the process of looking for one experienced Bid Writer to come on board. Yes. You read that correctly. One...

The recruitment process was initiated with some great advice from Martin Smith of Bid Solutions. I asked for CVs and covering letters and then took a selection through to a writing and reviewing task, followed by an interview. How did I end up with two? I couldn't let either of them go! I could see so much potential in Hannah and Katie and felt that Pipster is the best place for them to grow and learn. They have the right attitude to work, they are friendly and approachable, and their writing and reviewing skills showed natural talent. They also bring an extra element to Pipster services with their graphics and InDesign skills. This means I don't have to use Smart Art anymore - win win!

I've asked Katie and Hannah to write their own bios and personal statements, which I share with you all now by way of an introduction...

Hannah Thorne

Hannah began her career working for national drinks wholesaler WaverleyTBS as a Desktop Publisher. It was here she gained valuable document layout knowledge and developed a passion for graphics. She later progressed to a role working for infrastructure services organisation May Gurney (now part of Kier Group), working within their utilities bidding team as Creative Bid Coordinator. At May Gurney, she gained significant experience working on high-profile bids, predominantly during the challenging AMP5 bidding process. Her most notable successes include winning quality submissions for tenders including South West Water, Wessex Water and Severn Trent Water, worth a combined value of over ￡360 million across ten years. As well as having experience in working on tenders and graphics, Hannah also has skills and experience in marketing and event management. She thrives in a deadline-driven environment and takes a strategic approach to her work. She is also keen to work towards APMP certifications.

Hannah has an excellent eye for detail and is a self-confessed perfectionist. Her approachable nature along with her professionalism make her perfect for the role of Bid Writer at Pipster Solutions. She hopes her previous experience will be an asset to the organisation and is very much looking forward to working the team for new and existing clients.

Hannah says "I am absolutely delighted to be working for Pipster Solutions as Bid Writer. Pippa’s energy is infectious, and she really does know how to get the best out of her team! I believe the numerous key skills I have built up over the years will enable me to work with clients on many successful bids and tenders. I am very much looking forward to my next career chapter and I am excited to build valuable relationships with Pipster clients over the coming months."

Katie Dongworth

Katie is a motivated, passionate and natural-born writer, at the very beginning of a long and successful bid writing career. She is an English graduate who, having always been passionate about the written word, discovered her love of technical writing when working for an industrial electrical company. Here she excelled in producing estimating tenders and operation and maintenance manuals for her team. After a short stint in journalism, she couldn’t resist the allure of writing meticulous, professional and comprehensive content for businesses in need and committed to a career in the bid writing world. Over the past year, she has shown tireless determination to prepare for this move, completing APMP certified courses, connecting with industry professionals and fundraising for small charities.

Katie offers excellent writing skills, accurate proofreading, painstaking attention to detail and heaps of enthusiasm! She has an eye for design and looks forward to producing professional, compelling and winning bids for all Pipster customers.

Katie said "After meeting with Pippa, I knew that I wanted to work for Pipster Solutions immediately. Pipster’s unique, collaborative and to-the-point bidding style is a refreshing approach to bid writing. Similarly, Pippa's philosophy of ‘mucking in’ with all members of the team, in both operational and leadership roles, really excites me. I’m looking forward to learning everything there is to know about bid writing from one of the most accomplished, approachable and energetic women in the business."

A really exciting future for Pipster...

Looking back over this first week, both have thrown themselves into individual and team challenges, brushing up on their knowledge, and learning new things. I have no doubt I made the right choice in choosing Hannah and Katie, and look forward to the excellent personal service we will, as a team, provide for Pipster clients.

P.S. I must mention Heywood House Business Centre for allowing me to host a covid-safe induction day in a beautiful facility, and to Rose Dedman for her brilliant photographic skills