The Winning Line - Why tendering matters for SMEs - Issue 30

Welcome to The Winning Line, a weekly dose of tender top tips, advice and support to ensure you win more work.

The format for these weekly emails are:

1.?? Highlights of the week

2.?? Focus In - top tips to tackle common issues

3.?? Upcoming Events/News

??Highlights of the Week ??

The first official week back in January done. We've had a mix of deadlines from bids started back in December and new projects kicking off.

It would appear Public Sector Procurement decided that no one needed downtime this Christmas and deadlines on the 6th January were feasible for teams.

Now that we have those out of the way, we can shift focus to some longer term projects for clients. There are a number of large Frameworks out for tender at the moment we are supporting clients on including a large Agency Nursing Recruitment Framework in Wales and the Fusion 21 Building Safety Services Framework.

Our clients come from a wide range of industries the current project list includes Grounds Maintenance, Roofing, Electrical Works, Fire & Security, Translation Services, Water Treatment, Fire Risk Assessments, Care Services and Drainage.

One common denominator is - our clients are expert in what they do - but they don't have an internal bid team to find, complete and submit tenders. They fall between teams, or to Office Managers/Directors who should be doing something else with their time.

That is where we come in. We have 5 bids this week we are working on for clients because we found them the opportunity through our Tender Search Service.

We don't just help people complete tenders - we find them as well. Both of these tasks are time consuming. So if you are struggling to find the right time/skills in house to find and complete tenders - and ensure they win. Then we'd absolutely be able to help you.

??Focus In - Top Tips ??

What is Tendering and Why Does it Matter for SMEs?

Tendering is the process by which organisations, often government bodies or large corporations, invite bids from suppliers to deliver goods, services, or projects. This competitive bidding process is designed to ensure transparency, value for money, and fairness in procurement decisions.

With the release of the new Procurement Act next month (more in next week's issue) this is the perfect time for SME's to get invested in winning tenders.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tendering can be a game-changer. Winning a tender provides not only financial benefits but also credibility and exposure, opening doors to further opportunities. However, the process can be complex, requiring careful attention to detail, thorough documentation, and a strong understanding of the client’s needs.

Why does tendering matter for SMEs?

1.?? Revenue Growth: Successful tenders often lead to substantial contracts, providing a steady income stream.

2.?? Market Credibility: Being awarded a tender enhances your business's reputation, signalling trustworthiness and capability.

3.?? Business Expansion: Tenders can offer access to new markets or sectors you haven’t explored before.

4.?? Level Playing Field: Many tender processes are designed to support SMEs, offering them a fair chance to compete with larger players. This will be even more the case once the new Procurement Act comes into effect.

The tendering process can be daunting at first, but with the right preparation, SMEs can unlock significant growth opportunities. Start by researching available tenders in your industry, understanding submission requirements, and highlighting your unique strengths to stand out.

??Upcoming Events/News ??

If you would like to receive a weekly email of tender opportunities - you can sort through yourself to check for relevant ones to pursue or use it for market research purposes. This means you don't have to spend time checking multiple sources yourself or remember to do it. Our email will arrive in your inbox every Thursday.

Sign up Here to the Basic Search Service for just ￡25 + VAT per month - this really is a no brainer!

If you'd like any further information on any of our services, or to arrange a free 1 hour consultation - I'd love to talk.

Warm regards,

Katy