Spring into bid writing for your business

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub have launched a series of 6 workshops to improve the procurement and bid writing skills of local businesses, that cover everything from basics for people who have never written a bid before to business owner who want to win more contracts.

The sessions will cover information about the public sector in the UK, will demystify the processes and terminology involved and will help business owners understand how they can find out about opportunities that are relevant to their business. Hints and tips for actually writing a winning bid response and consideration will be given on how businesses can make tendering part of their ongoing business strategy.

Funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, these online workshops sit alongside packages of £1000 consultancy support as part of the Government’s ambition to help small and medium sized businesses access public sector procurement directly or via the supply chain. The aim is to have at least £1 in every £3 spent with smaller businesses. Cornwall has over twenty-five thousand SMEs who could benefit from accessing public sector contracts, which would make a significant contribution to the local economy.

Rebecca Loto, Business Connector with the Growth Hub said, “SMEs are often put off bidding for local and central government contracts, even though they may well be able to fulfil the requirements. They can now benefit from guidance on how complete the paperwork and advice on ways to be successful.”

The support can also offer advice and guidance on bid writing to help SMEs access financial and other opportunities they may otherwise miss out on.

Full Circle and In-Tend on behalf of the Growth Hub will provide online workshops and packages of advice on procurement and bid writing best practice up to the value of £1,000.

The Growth Hub works with local businesses, including self-employed people and not-for-profit organisations, to offer guidance and support to help them work smarter, develop, and grow.

The workshops are on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday 8th March 2-3pm: Understanding the UK Public Sector landscape
• Tuesday 15th March 2-3pm: Preparing to respond to a public sector invitation to quote / tender
• Tuesday 22nd March 2-3pm: Making the pursuit of public sector opportunities an ongoing priority in your business
• Friday 25th March 2-3pm: To Bid or Not to Bid - Considerations for Undertaking a Tender Response
• Monday 28th March 2-3pm: - Tender Responses - Understanding Evaluation Criteria
• Thursday 31st March AM 2-3pm: Tender Responses - Writing Compelling Responses

To sign up or find out more SIGN UP HERE

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and match funded by Cornwall Council, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.