Advice on tenders for public-sector contracts

Jun 2 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

WINNING public-sector contracts can be vital in helping businesses to develop and grow. As part of the Government’s Enterprise Strategy to encourage small firms to compete, www.supply2.gov.uk is providing free access to more than 3,000 public-sector contracts from now until July 31.

The three-month free trial, available to businesses registering for the first time, will provide access to contracts throughout the UK.

Pitching for contracts in the public sector, which accounts for 40% of the UK’s GDP, can be daunting for new businesses or those that usually sell to other companies as the tendering process can be very formal.

Understanding how the public sector buys its supplies and services is a real advantage and Business Link can help companies across the region to boost their knowledge of public-sector procurement.

Business Link can explain how to identify potential contracts and new business opportunities, advise on what should be included in a tender and explain how to write it for the best chance of success.

Marketing yourself to the public sector is much the same as any other business and raising company profile is an important aspect. It may be an idea to look at public relations to identify which trade magazines are read by the public sector or put together a specialised advertising campaign.

It is also important to demonstrate that policies regarding equal opportunities, diversity, the environmental and community are in line with the public-sector organisation’s own policies.

From identifying key stages in the tendering process to understanding approved supplier lists and framework agreements, Business Link is on hand to provide expert advice throughout the procurement process.

Business Link’s substantial team of expert brokers operate across the region in local access points and on a mobile basis. For further information about Business Link, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600-9006.

Suzanne McCreedy is with Business Link