The UK government plans to spend close to £15 billion on small and medium enterprises. Part of this sum will be in form of government work. Bidding government tenders is a great opportunity for small business owners to improve their visibility and grow their businesses. Unfortunately, many of them make mistakes in the tendering process and get negative results every time. What does it take to win tenders? Here are some tips you should consider when bidding for the next tender.
1. Be Realistic when Choosing Tenders
Most business owners consider the value of the tender when choosing tenders. In fact, tenders with high amounts attract a larger number of applicants. If you are applying for your first tender or running a small business, you may not qualify for such big tenders. You may lack the portfolio required to qualify for such tenders. In addition, you may not have the resources and experience necessary to deliver it. Always go for tenders that suit the resources, skills, and knowledge in your business.
2. Prepare Adequately
Start preparing your bid as early as possible. You will forget some important details or you’re your application with mistakes if you do everything at the last minute. It is obvious that you cannot do everything on your own. Assign tasks to your staff early and give them strict deadlines. Collect all the documents you may need like business certificates, financial statements, CVs of staff members, and evidence of past work. Check the progress of each assigned task to ensure that all tasks are completed on time. If you’re still struggling, try this article for some basic tips.
3. Consider the Buyer’s Need
Winning bids are focused on meeting the buyer’s needs. Before you start filling out your application, identify the needs of the buyer. Your application should show how your business will meet those needs when awarded the tender. Do not rely on the information given in the tender documentation. Conduct a research on the company’s goals and values from other sources. The additional information will help you answer the questions and prepare an application that paints a clear picture of how your business can solve the buyer’s problems.
4. Ask Others to Proof your Application
Check your application several times to ensure that all fields are completed with the right information. If you have not written an application before, it is advisable to work with a bid writing company like Executive Compass and learn how to do it right. You will pay a small fee but it will increase your chances of winning the tender. Ask other staff members to proofread your tender bid before submitting. Check if all requirements are met such, as the specific number of copies of certain documents and signatures. If you submit your application electronically, follow up to ensure that the relevant office or authority received it.
Conclusion
If you have applied for several government tenders unsuccessfully, you need to recheck your approach. Before you give up or blame the size of your business for your failures, identify your mistakes and learn from them. Ask questions and request help from experts in tendering to increase your chances of winning your bids. Work with an elaborate plan for each tender and be realistic about the resources and capabilities in your business. You will start receiving positive feedback on your bids as you continually refine your application process.
