AS SMALL business owners, how many of you have ever submitted a tender or bid for large contracts? Whether you are an ice-cream maker, stationery supplier or mini-bus operator, there may be opportunities on your doorstep.
Each year, North East councils spend money on everything from construction products to IT equipment. But it doesn’t end there: health authorities, police forces and Government departments all tender for products and services. In fact, most public sector and many private sector organisations follow a tendering process.
A good place to start looking for opportunities in the North East is the North East Purchasing Organisation (www.qtegov.com). The Supplier Route to Government website (www.supply2.gov.uk) is a useful resource, in addition to Press notices and advertisements.
Once you have found a contract, what do you do next? Most organisations and public bodies have different tendering requirements which must be met, but there are tips which may help you scoop big.
Is it the right contract for you? Don’t waste time bidding for a contract which you won’t fulfil.
What is needed to win the contract? Contact the tendering organisation to see what is involved.
Don’t churn out the same information in each bid.
Make sure you include all of the benefits of using your business, product or service.
Detail how you will manage and deliver the project.
Include a timetable of when goods and services are to be delivered.
Include information on accreditations or awards you may have won.
Include CVs on your team.
Present the bid professionally.
If you’re a Northumberland business there are free workshops in September to help you to get ‘bid ready’ and also top tips on winning tenders – for a full list of dates and venues, contact Sinead Moloney on 01670 842884.
Why not look at the contracts out there and submit a bid.
If you need advice on tendering for work, call TEDCO on 0191 428 3300, e-mail procurement@tedco.org or visit us at www.tedco.org
:: Carole White is business support manager at TEDCO