How to guides for tender applications

Preparing to Bid

The Bid Preparation V1 guide from Go4Growth provides key insights into preparing bids within the public sector. It covers navigating public procurement competitions, focusing on legal, ethical, and commercial obligations. The guide explains various procurement procedures, including open tenders and competitive dialogues, while stressing the importance of pre-market engagement events to help shape specifications. It also emphasises the need for a clear understanding of specifications, as they form the basis for bid evaluations.

Bidders are advised to take a structured approach when drafting their submissions, ensuring clarity, thoroughness, and compliance with all requirements. Common mistakes, such as missing out questions or using vague language, should be avoided. The feedback process offers valuable guidance for improving future bids, and bidders have the right to challenge results through formal letters, legal actions, or information requests. This guide helps bidders navigate the complexities of public procurement with confidence and precision.

Tender Ready Training – Generic

The Tender Ready Training from Go4Growth –  provides essential guidance on the open tender process, from advertisement to award. It outlines the key steps, including finding opportunities on platforms like Contracts Finder and submitting responses to an Invitation to Tender (ITT). The training explains how to handle questions, ensuring responses are clear, well-evidenced, and within word limits.

Key focus areas include understanding the specification and evaluation criteria, with top tips on how to maximise scores and avoid disqualification. Collaborative working, particularly with local community organisations, is emphasised for promoting social inclusion and wellbeing.

The guide also addresses common pitfalls such as failing to answer questions fully, not submitting required documentation, and ignoring word counts. It stresses the importance of reviewing all documents, asking clarifications early, and ensuring the final submission meets all requirements.

Lunch & Learn – Standard Selection Questionnaire

Presented by  Go4Growth. This engaging session is focused on mastering the Standard Selection Questionnaire (SSQ).

In this rapid-fire session, we’ll dive deep into each section of the SSQ, providing you with essential insights and practical tips. From mandatory and discretionary exclusions to understanding various procurement models, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need in a concise, high-level overview.

Lunch & Learn – Specification, Evaluation and Answering Quality Questions

Hosted by  Go4Growth, this concise, 30-minute workshop will guide you through the essentials of the tender process. We’ll cover key topics including specifications, evaluation criteria, and how to craft winning responses to quality questions.

Expect practical insights and actionable advice, perfect for businesses navigating the public procurement landscape.

Lunch & Learn – The Legals

This session from Go4Growth will focus on crucial elements such as warranties, liabilities, cost increases, and intellectual property rights.

While we’re here to provide valuable insights from a practitioner’s perspective, please note that this does not constitute legal advice. We aim to equip you with practical pointers to consider when reviewing contracts.

Lunch & Learn – Feedback Process

Hosted by  Go4Growth, they will delve into the intricacies of the feedback process, demonstrating examples of effective feedback, and outlining what you should expect under current legislation, including the Public Contracting Regulations 2015. We’ll also explore forthcoming changes under the Procurement Act of 2023 and discuss future adjustments to feedback processes.

Gain clarity on what you can request from the Contracting Authority and how to navigate feedback if you’re dissatisfied with the outcome or believe the process was flawed. Whether you’re seeking more detail or need tailored support, our contact details at the end of the session will help you book a one-to-one chat with our experts.

Showcasing Your Business

In this document from Go4Growth, Learn how to boost your business profile with real customer reviews, positive staff feedback, and community involvement. Create a standout company culture, build a strong online presence, and stay consistent in your customer interactions. Handle negative feedback quickly to turn it into a positive. Master these strategies to help your business thrive!

Accreditations – what you could need

In this video, Go4Growth explore essential questions to consider when integrating accreditations into your operations.

Learn how to identify necessary compliance measures, select certifications that distinguish you in a crowded market, and use accreditations as a tool to communicate your commitment to quality and safety.

Hear from industry experts as they share real-life examples, like the impact of early adoption of health and safety standards in enhancing business credibility.

Plus, get insights into navigating the accreditation landscape, including the latest trends such as cyber essentials and B Corp status. This is your guide to leveraging accreditations for growth and competitive advantage.

Watch now to transform your business’s approach to accreditation and stand out in your sector!

Building Basic Credibility for Public Sector Bids.

Discover the secret to standing out in today’s competitive market with Go4Growth in their latest video on building credibility!

Explore expert insights from Duncan and Julie as they delve into how businesses can differentiate themselves and influence procurement decisions. Learn how crafting compelling case studies and securing valuable testimonials can enhance your reputation and provide proof of your successes. Whether you’re a small enterprise or a public sector organization, uncover practical strategies for leveraging your track record and showcasing your unique value. Plus, gain tips on navigating financial credibility and utilizing awards to bolster your credibility.

Creating opportunities for your business in the public sector

Discover expert tips from Go4Growth on creating opportunities and building effective relationships with local authorities. Ian breaks down essential strategies, including how to research contract registers, identify key decision-makers, and time your approach for maximum impact. Learn how to streamline your outreach and ensure your pitch lands with the right person at the right time. With actionable advice on navigating procurement cycles and crafting clear, compelling communications, this video is your gateway to smarter, more strategic supplier interactions.

Ways to engage with the public sector

This video from Go4Growth  offers valuable tips on navigating e-procurement portals, understanding market-specific opportunities, and maximizing your engagement with public sector buyers. Don’t miss out—watch now to stay ahead in the evolving world of procurement!

Contracts Finder Tutorial

With Go4Growth Discover how to effortlessly tailor your search criteria by location, opportunity type, and industry to receive timely updates on relevant contracts. We guide you through the advanced search options, including refining your results by notice type and suitability, and even filtering by CPV codes for precise industry targeting. With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to save your search preferences and set up automatic email alerts. Say goodbye to manual searching and stay ahead of the game with just a few clicks! Watch now to transform your contract search experience and ensure you never miss a vital opportunity again.

Finding Opportunities 1

Join industry experts Gillian Askew, Co-Founder of Go4Growth, and Ian Westlake, Head of Procurement for Bradford Council, as they guide you through the intricacies of tapping into a £300bn market. Discover how to align with the Government’s mandate to allocate 33% of spend to SMEs and achieve social value.

Explore practical strategies for finding live opportunities, utilising search engines, and attending key events. Gain insights into building resilient relationships and understanding procurement processes. Learn about effective ways to approach public sector contracts and enhance your organisation’s visibility.

Finding Opportunities 2

With government mandates to channel 33% of public spending to SMEs and a stable market valued at £300bn annually, this session is crucial for businesses looking to expand their reach and resilience.

Hear from experts Gillian Askew, Co-Founder of Go4Growth, and Ian Westlake, Head of Procurement for Bradford Council. They will guide you through identifying live opportunities, navigating key portals, and leveraging social value for a competitive edge.

Explore strategies to find tenders, engage effectively, and develop local economies. Don’t miss out on practical advice to enhance your business’s presence in the public sector and build valuable connections. Register now and transform your approach to public sector growth.

Example Form of Contract

This Example Form of Contract from Go4Growth  outlines the key terms and conditions for a service contract between a Contracting Authority  and you the Provider.

Additional sections address compliance, fraud prevention, equality, and dispute resolution. The contract is governed by applicable laws and includes provisions for variations, notices, and the management of conflicts of interest.

Understanding Contractual Obligations

This overview from Go4Growth  outlines key contractual obligations typically encountered in agreements, such as payment, delivery, and quality standards. It explains various types of breaches—material, fundamental, anticipatory, and minor—and their implications. The content also addresses the necessary steps to establish a breach of contract, including proving the contract’s existence, the breach, resulting losses, and the defendant’s responsibility.

Information on public sector regulations

In this insightful video from Go4Growth, explore the evolving landscape of public procurement and the shift towards value-driven approaches. Post-Brexit, new regulations are set to emphasise social value and sustainability alongside cost considerations. The upcoming white paper will outline how public procurement must integrate social outcomes, such as job creation and environmental impact, into decision-making processes. Small businesses should prepare for increased focus on social and economic value, alongside traditional cost factors. Discover how planned procurements will be published up to five years in advance, providing opportunities for businesses to align with future projects. The video also highlights the need for a unified system to simplify access to procurement opportunities and promote supplier diversity and resilience.

Social Value Online Course – Barnsley

This short course from Go4Growth  will give you, as a business or voluntary/third sector organisation an overview of what social value is, how your organisation can demonstrate social value, key legislation and why social value is important.

Removing Barriers for SMEs/VCSEs

Delivered by Go4Growth, unlock the potential of procurement by addressing barriers for SMEs and VCSEs. Start by assessing your current spend with these entities and highlight the community benefits of procurement in your reports and communications. Engage stakeholders early and formalise your commitment to making procurement accessible.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll see improved responses and increased business awarded to smaller organisations. For additional support, explore available resources and get in touch to discuss further marketplace development.

Social Value Course – YPO

This short course from Go4Growth will give you, as a business or voluntary/third sector organisation an overview of what social value is, examples of social value and an understanding of how YPO measure social value within a tender process.

The course will highlight the social value model that public procurement teams are encouraged to work against and will show you how to tailor your offer to local landscapes.

Joint Bidding Guide

This comprehensive guide from Go4Growth is designed for both buyers and suppliers involved in joint or consortium bidding. Structured into 18 chapters, it provides a practical toolkit for each stage of the bidding cycle, from planning to submission. The guide addresses the needs of both the procurement side and consortium leaders, offering insights into policies, market scanning, opportunity assessment, consortium configuration, and risk management. Key chapters include preparation strategies, governance and compliance, pricing, and final submission. It aims to enhance understanding and effectiveness in joint bidding by detailing processes, practices, and collaboration techniques. Note that while the guide is a valuable resource, it does not replace legal advice, and readers should consult independent experts for specific legal guidance.

Procurement Act 2023 Webinar – June 2024 Video Recording

Hosted by Go4Growth, this webinar is designed to unpack the key changes and implications of the new legislation. With a focus on supporting SMEs in the public sector, we’ll dive into three major updates: simplified bidding processes, enhanced transparency, and the shift from MEAT to MAT criteria.

Jillian will guide us through these changes, exploring how the reduction in procurement procedures and increased notice obligations affect both providers and procurement professionals. We’ll also address real-world feedback from the provider market and offer actionable recommendations.

Procurement Act Webinar – June 2024 Slide Deck

Read the latest from Go4Growth on the Procurement Act 2023!

Go4Growth will explore significant updates, including simplified bidding processes, enhanced transparency, and the transition from MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) to MAT (Most Advantageous Tender). We’ll examine how these changes impact the provider market, with a focus on increased competition and longer relationship terms.

We’ll also address feedback from SMEs on challenges and support, and offer practical recommendations for both providers and the public sector. Additionally, we’ll highlight our free support resources, including personalized coaching and the Public Sector Supply Ready (PSSR) status.

This session is being recorded, and slides will be sent to all registered attendees. Engage with us through the chat and Q&A functions as we navigate the new procurement landscape together.

Procurement Act 2023 – Guidance Documents Summarised

The Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents from Go4Growth  provide essential information for understanding and navigating the updated public procurement landscape.

Gain insights into statutory requirements and practical procedures, including how to align procurement with broader social and environmental goals, define covered procurement thresholds, and reserve contracts for supported employment providers.

They clarify which entities are considered contracting authorities, outline the need for pipeline notices, and detail transitional arrangements from previous regulations. Additionally, they explain the rules for concession contracts, light touch contracts for specific services, and procurement in defence and security sectors. These documents are crucial for ensuring compliance, maximizing procurement effectiveness, and leveraging new opportunities in the evolving regulatory environment.