McDonalds have stated that they are offering total transparency to their supply chain and procurement. A recent article indicates that, following a survey, 65% of procurement professionals would do exactly the same. This is really interesting, particularly when thinking about public sector procurement. There is often the thought that buying organisations will use who they want, despite the tender process being used. If their procurement is more open, this should help alleviate this suspicion. It should also help Joe Public have faith in how their taxes are being used. It will be interesting to see if this concept is actually adopted in the purchasing world!

For the full article, click here.

Interesting article on an NHS Trust’s approach to procurement to be more “green”.  This article discusses how the South Essex NHS Trust has analysed its procurement processes and have since implemented a new process, saving money whilst also being more “green”. By purchasing collectively within the Trust, the number of deliveries reduced (so vehicle emissions are reduced) and more competitive costs are achieved. This approach is something that could well be mirrored throughout a substantial amount of purchasing bodies. – whilst also being something to think about from a supplier’s point of view. I.e. what you can do to support an authority with their cost reduction and sustainability objectives! Food for thought!

For the full article, click here

One challenge of SMEs is securing financial support and investment from banks. We’ve just been reading an article online about how the government compound this issue. Banks will lend money, in theory, to SMEs who can show strong financial stability. One factor that can cause instability is late payments. The article suggested that, again in theory, public secotr organisations should be paying their suppliers within the agreed payment terms. It seems, accordign to the article, that this is not the case.

So – as the article says “If the government wants to improve lending to SMEs, it should start paying them on time.”

For the full article, click here

Our security client has recently been informed that their ITT was successful for the provision of security solutions to a local council in Oxfordshire. We developed the ITT for the client and they have now been invited to meet with and present to members of the council. We wish them the very best of luck!

Positive news for one of our charity clients who have been shortlisted to receive grant funding through Children in Need. The client provides sport and recreational activities to young people, usually with challenging behaviour. As a charity organisation, they rely on donations and grant funding. We worked closely with the client at the beginning of 2013 to produce a solid application and they have just been informed that they have been shortlisted.

If you’re looking for support, advice or guidance with your funding applications, do get in touch.

We’ve just been reading an article online about how a procurement project has been recognised as the best cycling initiative in London. In summary, the project is proposing to make Transport for London’s contractors’ lorries safer with regards to cyclists.

There’s 2 clear benefits here. Firstly, it shows how far left-field procurement projects can be started from, thus providing more public sector tender opportunities . Secondly, and from a personal perspective, it’s great to see how far the awareness of road safety and cycling is being considered.

Recently, cycling and road safety has been highly publicised in the media. It is easy to not even consider how road safety can have a positive impact on supply chains and business growth opportunities.

For the full article  click here

A recent article published online announced that the government had managed to save nearly £4 billion through more efficient procurement.

The article referred to Francis Maude’s announcement that: ”£1.6 billion had been saved by reducing the use of consulting and contractors, £800 million through better supplier relations, £1 billion through centralising procurement across the whole public sector – of which £600 million came from central government – and £380 million on advertising and marketing.”

It’s reassuring to see that focusing on improving and centralising the government’s procurement is clearly working.

For the full article, click here.

Our second tip to help you with your PQQ is simple – work out which questions are evaluated and which are for information only. So, for example, questions about your company name, insurances and business activities are likely to be for information, where as questions about your processes and procedures will be evaluated.

If you know which questions are evaluated, you will know how to organise your time and resources to ensure you produce a robust response.

It’s great to see our services being recognised as valuable expertise! Our Director has been invited to join a Steering Group of experts in Bid Writing and Tendering, including representatives from the four nations (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales). This really is fantastic for Thornton & Lowe – as it will really begin to let people see what we can do and offer.

Skills CFA is a registered charity that develops and promotes business skills, qualifications and apprenticeships in the workplace. As the Government recognised standard setting organisation for business skills in the UK, SKills CFA are keen to work collaboratively with businesses and professional bodies when developing and reviewing business-related National Occupational Standards (NOS), Qualifications and Apprentices.Skills CFA has been commissioned by The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) to develop a suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS) [1] for Bid Writing and Tendering. These standards will explicitly outline what is expected, in terms of performance, knowledge and understanding, when carrying our specific Bid Writing and Tendering functions in the workplace

Creating a winning bid starts earlier than you might think. Like any task – you will need to be organised! If you leave the bid to the last minute you will immediately reduce your chances of success. As soon as you are aware of the opportunity or are invited to tender, start planning! Look at the questions to see:

1) How much time are you likely to need to complete?

2) What information do you need?

3) Where are you going to get the information from?

For example, a 10 question bid will differ in planning to a 30 question bid. Tenders can be daunting but if you plan your bid – break it down in to bite size chunks – you’ll find the whole process much easier. If you need to be getting information  facts and figures from other areas in your business, make sure you contact your colleagues in plenty of time – giving them the time to get the data that you need.