The secret weapon for SMEs bidding into the public sector?
1. What is a bid writer?
If you're an SME looking to break into the public sector, chances are you've come across tender opportunities that seem like a maze of jargon, forms and word counts - in its most basic form - that’s where a bid writer comes in.
A bid writer is a professional who specialises in preparing persuasive, fully compliant responses to public (and private) sector tenders. They don’t just write—they research, strategise, and structure your proposal to give it the best possible chance of success. Think of them as a mix between a copywriter, strategist, and project manager—all rolled into one.
2. Why do most SMEs use bid writers?
Public sector contracts are lucrative but fiercely competitive. Local authorities, NHS trusts, universities, and central government departments spend billions annually - and they must follow strict procurement rules when awarding that work.
That means suppliers, including SMEs, are invited to compete via a formal bidding process. Without the right support, many businesses fall at the first hurdle. A professional bid writer can change that.
Here's why they matter:
- They understand the rules: From scoring criteria to frameworks and ITTs (Invitations to Tender), bid writers speak the language of procurement fluently.
- They save you time: Instead of scrambling to meet a 10,000-word deadline, you can focus on delivering your services while they take care of the paperwork.
- They increase your win rate: With a structured approach, tailored messaging and strategic use of evidence, bid writers dramatically boost your chances.
3. So, what exactly does a bid writer do?
The job is more than writing—it’s about translating what your business does into what the buyer wants to see. Here’s a snapshot of what a good bid writer brings to the table:
- Tender opportunity research: Finding and filtering the right opportunities (often using platforms like Tender Pipeline).
- Bid strategy: Helping you decide whether to go for a tender (the all-important Bid/No-Bid decision) and identifying your key win themes.
- Storyboarding and content planning: Structuring each response to hit all the right notes—compliance, clarity, and persuasion.
- Writing and editing: Producing well-written, concise, and benefit-led answers that match the buyer’s specification and evaluation criteria.
- Submission and quality assurance: Ensuring every requirement is met—from page limits and attachments to formatting and tone.
The bid lifecycle: not just a one-off task
Winning public sector work isn’t about one good bid. It’s about building a repeatable, scalable bidding process. A skilled bid writer contributes to this lifecycle:
- Preparation: Templates, policies, case studies, and past performance materials are collated.
- Execution: Each bid is project-managed to deadline.
- Review: Feedback is analysed and improvements logged for next time.
This continuous improvement loop is what helps SMEs go from bidding occasionally to winning consistently.
4. Can’t I just do it myself?
Technically, yes—but it comes with risks. Most SME owners wear multiple hats already. Adding ‘bid writer’ to the list means spreading yourself too thin and potentially missing out on high-value work due to small mistakes or weak narratives.
Even if you're confident in your writing, understanding what buyers are actually looking for—and how they score responses—is a skill that takes time to learn. That's why even experienced firms turn to external bid professionals for support, especially when the stakes are high.
5. How should you work with a bid writer?
Whether you're looking to hire in-house, outsource to a consultancy or upskill your team, the good news is there are options.
At Thornton & Lowe, our Bid Writing Services help SMEs navigate the complexities of public procurement. We offer:
- Fully managed bid writing and project support
- Ready-made Bid Templates for faster turnaround
- Strategic bid reviews and mentoring
We’ve supported hundreds of SMEs to win contracts with NHS Trusts, councils, schools, and housing associations—and we can help you too.
FAQs
How much does a bid writer cost?
Costs vary depending on complexity and deadline, but many SMEs see it as a worthwhile investment given the potential contract values. Contact us for a quick quote
Is bid writing only for big companies?
Not at all. SMEs are actively encouraged to bid for public contracts, and many authorities even break tenders into smaller lots to encourage participation.
How do I find tenders for my business?
Start with tools like Tender Pipeline
Do I need a bid writer for every tender?
Not necessarily - but for complex, high-value bids or unfamiliar sectors, their expertise can be invaluable.
Ready to take your first steps into public sector bidding?
A professional bid writer might just be the partner you didn’t know you needed.
