Help With Your Tender Applications: Expert Guidance

Help With Your Tender Applications: Expert Guidance from Thornton & Lowe

At Thornton & Lowe, we provide comprehensive bid writing services designed to help businesses excel in their tender applications. Our expertise spans across various industries, ensuring that your bids are tailored, competitive, and successful.

Our Key Tendering Services

• Bid Writing Services - Our dedicated team of experienced bid writers craft high-scoring and compliant tender responses. We work closely with your team to understand your unique value propositions, ensuring each application highlights your strengths and meets the specific requirements of the tender.
• Tender Review and Editing - Maximise the impact of your tender submissions with our thorough review and editing services. Our experts will meticulously review your applications, providing constructive feedback and refining your content to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance.
• Bid Strategy Development - Successful tender applications begin with a robust strategy. We help you develop a winning approach by analysing the tender requirements, understanding the competitive landscape, and defining your unique selling points.
• Training and Development - Empower your in-house team with our tailored training programs. We offer workshops and courses on best practices in bid writing, helping your staff develop the skills needed to produce high-quality tender applications.
• Bid Management - Managing multiple tenders can be complex and time-consuming. Our bid management services streamline the process, from coordinating internal teams to ensuring timely submission of all documents. We provide end-to-end support to keep your tender applications on track.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance - Ensure your tender applications meet all regulatory and compliance standards with our quality assurance services. We meticulously check each bid for accuracy and adherence to guidelines, reducing the risk of disqualification.
• Sector-Specific Expertise - With extensive experience across various sectors, including construction, healthcare, and IT, our team understands the nuances of different industries. This allows us to tailor your tender applications to meet the specific needs and expectations of each sector.

Why Choose Thornton & Lowe?

With a win rate of over 75% across 550 bids each year, our expertise in tender applications is unmatched. Our commitment and strategic approach has helped organisations to win vital contracts: some have helped to save a business, while others have taken companies to the next level.

Our team of bid writing professionals is directly employed, ensuring consistency and reliability in our services. We work as an extension of your team, committed to achieving your business goals.

Your tender application is extremely important, and each one is unique. That's why we customise our services to fit your needs. Whether you require full bid writing support or just need assistance with specific sections of an application, we can help.

Thornton & Lowe is available for one-off support for critical tenders, as well as for ongoing assistance. We offer flexible engagement models to suit your requirements. Our services are available on a fixed-fee basis or as part of a long-term partnership.

What Our Clients Say

Clients across the UK come to Thornton & Lowe for our expertise, professionalism, and track record of results. Here's what just a few of them have to say about working with us.

"We engaged with Thornton & Lowe whilst looking for a company who could provide us with some additional resource, expertise and support in managing and writing framework bid submission. We were delighted to receive the news that we have successfully secured a place on the framework, scoring 100/100 across the board on quality." — Cantium Business Solutions

"We worked closely with Tom and the team on a recent framework submission for Manchester City Council. A difficult process was made very simple - nothing was too much to ask. They even got involved with parts of the bid that were not their responsibility to ensure bid compliant. T&L bid writing expertise is second to none and extremely professional. Highly recommended by the Karmo team. A big thank you to all at T&L." — Ross Smith, Karmo

“Working with Thornton & Lowe gave Barkers instant access to very talented and experienced bid writers. We knew from day one that they would significantly enhance the quality of tender response with a clear, structured and repeatable approach. Not only did Barkers win a major new client and high value contract but we’ve now got the ground work in place for repeating the process across other client tenders. [...] Our only regret is that we didn’t start working with them sooner!” — Barkers

For more, see our:

• Testimonials
• Case studies
• Google reviews
• Reviews.io

Want results like these? Get in touch with us today and we'll start planning your next winning bid.

Understanding the Tender Process

The tender process is a structured approach for organisations to select suppliers and award contracts. It involves several key stages and documents that require careful attention to detail.

Key Stages in Tendering for Contracts

Tendering typically begins with identifying contract opportunities. You'll need to search for relevant tenders through various channels, including government websites and industry publications.

Once you've found a suitable opportunity, you'll enter the pre-qualification stage. Here, you'll demonstrate your company's capabilities and financial stability.

If successful, you'll receive an Invitation to Tender (ITT). This document outlines the project requirements and submission guidelines.

The next stage involves preparing and submitting your bid. You'll need to craft a compelling proposal that addresses all the client's needs and showcases your unique value proposition.

After submission, the client will evaluate all bids. They may request clarifications or invite you for presentations.

The Role of Invitation to Tender (ITT)

The ITT is a crucial document in the procurement process. It provides detailed information about the project, including:

• Scope of work
• Technical specifications
• Evaluation criteria
• Submission deadlines
• Contract terms and conditions

You must carefully review the ITT to ensure you fully understand the client's requirements. This document will guide your entire bid preparation process.

Pay close attention to the evaluation criteria. These will help you focus on the aspects that matter most to the client.

The ITT may also include specific formats or templates for your response. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for a compliant bid.

Preparing Your Tender Application

Consistently successful tender applications don't happen by accident. They require time, investment and careful planning.

Developing a Strong Value Proposition

Your value proposition is key for standing out from competitors. Clearly articulate what makes your offer unique and beneficial. Highlight your company's strengths, relevant experience, and innovative solutions. Use concrete examples and quantifiable results to demonstrate your capabilities. This can be difficult when working with the constraints of a rigid tender document, but it remains crucial. Without doing so, your tender application may be compliant, but not competitive. It needs to be the best.

Be sure to back up claims with evidence, such as case studies or testimonials from satisfied clients.

Aligning with Procurement Objectives

Carefully review the tender documents and complete wider research into the buyer's objectives. Identify their priorities, challenges, how they are evaluated and put yourself in their shoes - what would be your desired outcomes? Structure your response to directly address these points.

Use the buyer's language and terminology to show you understand their needs. Demonstrate how your solution aligns with their strategic goals and delivers value beyond the basic requirements. Your tender application should be granular in detail and highly practical. This provides reassurance that you really know what you are doing and have created something bespoke for them.

Anticipate potential concerns and proactively address them in your application. Show that you've considered risks and have mitigation strategies in place. These may relate to delivery location or the size of the contract.

Managing Word Count and Documentation Requirements

Word limits and formatting guidelines can often seem strict, but it's crucial that you adhere to them rigidly. You can always ask for a clarification question to allow these to be changed, but you need to follow the guidance provided. Be concise and avoid unnecessary jargon. Use bullet points and tables to present information clearly and efficiently.

You need to base your response on the scoring criteria and question details, and sub-questions. It needs to be obvious that you've fully answered each element of the question, and that you should receive the highest possible marks. Follow the framework to the letter, and you give yourself the best chance of winning.

Double-check that you've included all required documentation, such as:

• Company information
• Financial statements
• Certifications
• CVs of key personnel
• Project plans
• Risk assessments

Proofread thoroughly to eliminate errors and ensure consistency. Consider having a colleague review your application before submission.

Bid Writing Strategies

What is a bid writing strategy and why are they important for your tender applications?

A bid writing strategy is a plan for how you answer the questions in a tender application. It's important because a strategically written bid can make the selection process easier for the buyer by clearly highlighting why your solution is the best fit.

Having a strong bid strategy in place will improve your chances of winning contracts, prevent you from wasting time on unsuccessful bids, and help your business grow. This is often a focus for our Bid Mentor Service. With the right approach, businesses can develop bid strategies that are both effective and dynamic, significantly increasing their chances of winning bids.

Optimising Bid Responses

To optimise bid responses, you need to focus on both the overall bidding process, as well as writing responses to specific tender questions.

Create a simple blueprint for responding to tender applications:

• Include a bid/no bid decision process
• Prepare early so you can build momentum before the bid arrives
• Tell a persuasive story that connects your solution to the buyer's needs
• Reuse and adapt past high-scoring responses

Your bid management process, together with a well-trained team, are key.

Answering Tender Questions Effectively

We can optimise specific bid responses by focusing on your unique value proposition and differentiators. By responding to tender questions directly, you ensure you clearly address each point. Use clear, unambiguous language to convey your capabilities and experience. Avoid jargon unless specifically required.

Break down complex questions into smaller parts to ensure you cover all aspects. Provide specific examples and quantifiable results to support your claims. For instance, "Our project delivery rate improved by 15% over the past year" is more impactful than general statements.

Addressing Budget and Social Value

Crafting a successful tender requires carefully balancing financial considerations with broader societal impacts. Effective proposals demonstrate value for money while also highlighting meaningful contributions to community wellbeing.

Balancing Cost-Effectiveness with Quality

When addressing budget constraints, focus on delivering maximum value within available resources. Clearly outline your pricing structure, breaking down costs for each element of the project. Highlight areas where you can offer cost savings without compromising quality.

Consider innovative approaches that could reduce expenses, such as efficient processes or strategic partnerships. Demonstrate how your solution provides the best overall value, not just the lowest price. Use tables or bullet points to present cost comparisons and showcase your competitive advantage.

Incorporating Social Value into Your Proposal

Public sector tenders increasingly emphasise social value creation. Identify specific ways your project will benefit the local community, environment, or economy. Quantify these impacts where possible using metrics like jobs created, carbon emissions reduced, or skills training provided.

Highlight existing social initiatives your organisation supports. Propose new partnerships with local charities or community groups to amplify positive outcomes. Align your social value offerings with the contracting authority's priorities and strategic objectives.

Use case studies to illustrate your track record of delivering social benefits in past projects. Be realistic about what you can achieve, and outline clear plans for measuring and reporting social value outcomes.

Tender Writing Services

Professional tender writing services help businesses efficiently respond to tender applications.

Benefits of Professional Bid Consultants

Bid consultants bring valuable experience to the table. They understand the nuances of tender processes and can highlight your company's strengths effectively. Their expertise often leads to higher success rates in winning contracts.

Professional writers save you time and effort. They can quickly grasp complex requirements and translate them into clear, concise responses. This allows you to focus on your core business activities whilst experts handle the bid.

Consultants also provide an external perspective. They can spot weaknesses in your approach and suggest improvements you might have overlooked. This fresh viewpoint can be crucial in setting your bid apart from competitors. This is part of our bid writing services at Thornton & Lowe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Writing bids and responding to tender applications can be a nightmare for many businesses. Don't worry: we're here to help! If you have any questions, just drop us an email at hello@thorntonandlowe.com.

The following questions address key aspects of creating successful bids:

How can I identify the components of a successful tender application?

A successful tender application includes a clear understanding of the client's needs, a compelling value proposition, and evidence of your capability to deliver. Focus on addressing the specific requirements outlined in the tender document.

You need to show the buyer you have taken the process seriously. Genuinely understand their needs and specific challenges, and consider the real practicalities of delivery. It's this which gives reassurance and credibility to your bid.

How much does it typically cost to engage professional tender writing services?

Costs for professional tender writing services vary based on the complexity and size of the tender. Smaller tenders might cost between £1,500 to £2,000, for example, while larger, more complex bids can range from £3,000 to £10,000 or more. We quote a fixed fee to provide our clients with full transparency and budget control. Our bid reviews start at less than this, as well as our tendering training services.

In what ways can tender assistance services improve my bid's chances of success?

By outsourcing and getting a company in to provide tender assistance, you benefit from:

• Tendering expertise
• Focused bid-writing capacity

If you are up against larger competitors or others using professional tender writers, you need to ensure you can compete. Get bid writing help today: speak to one of our bid advisers who can explain the process and provide free guidance.

Are all tender applications now via portals?

Tender portals are becoming increasingly common for both private and public sector tenders, allowing you to instantly publish, send, and download documents. However, they are not yet ubiquitous. Many organisations still require tender applications to be submitted via email.

When emailing a tender application, it's crucial to be cautious and ensure the recipient has received your submission. This may involve following up with a phone call or requesting a confirmation of receipt. Pay close attention to the tender instructions regarding file formats, naming conventions, and any other specific requirements to avoid disqualification.

As tender portals continue to gain popularity, it's wise for businesses to familiarise themselves with the process of submitting bids electronically. However, for now, it's important to carefully review each tender's submission requirements and adapt accordingly, whether that means using a portal or emailing your application.