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Health & Safety Compliance Requirements for Public Sector Tenders (UK)

Posted on by John Hudson

If you’re a small or medium construction firm in the UK, your health and safety (H&S) approach is often the make-or-break factor in public sector bids. Buyers need to see not just that you work safely, but that you have competent people, robust systems, and project-specific risk controls that will actually work on their site. Nail this, and you’ll boost scores, reduce clarifications, and look like a low-risk, high-value supplier. Under UK law and public procurement rules, construction projects sit under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and buyers expect your tender to show how you meet those duties in a clear, practical way.

Below is a plain-English guide to help UK SME contractors achieve tender compliance on health and safety—without the fluff.

1) Understand what “good” looks like in public sector bids

Public buyers want evidence that you can plan, manage, monitor and control risk for the works you’re bidding. Under CDM 2015, roles like contractor and principal contractor carry specific duties (e.g., preparing a Construction Phase Plan, ensuring inductions, providing welfare, and vetting competence of anyone you appoint). Your tender should map your approach to these duties so evaluators can see you meet the legal baseline.

At pre-qualification (PQQ) stage, many buyers recognise SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) certificates (e.g., CHAS, SafeContractor) as proof you meet the core H&S criteria, reducing duplication and helping SMEs avoid multiple assessments. SSIP is supported by HSE guidance, and HSE encourages clients to accept valid SSIP certification at PQQ.

Takeaway: If your tender clearly shows your legal duties are understood and covered—and you’ve got a recognised assessment—your risk rating goes down and your score goes up.

2) Get your baseline right: policy, roles, and training that stand up to scrutiny

Start with foundation evidence that every buyer expects:

  • H&S policy: Current, signed by a senior manager/director, and relevant to your trades.
  • Roles & responsibilities: Who is the responsible person? Who writes RAMS? Who signs off permits?
  • Competence & training matrix: CSCS status, CPCS/NPORS, first aiders, asbestos awareness, working at height, lifting operations, temporary works awareness (as relevant), plus refresher cycles.
  • Monitoring & engagement: Toolbox talk schedule, site inspections, close-call/near-miss reporting, and how you act on findings.
  • Evidence pack: Accident stats, recent audits/inspections, examples of improved controls following lessons learned.

Tip: Keep it concise and project-relevant. Evaluators want assurance, not a 200-page dump.

3) Prove organisational competence the smart way (SSIP, CAS, ISO 45001)

You don’t need a wall of certificates—but the right ones can streamline scoring:

  • SSIP (e.g., CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS): Shows you meet HSE-approved core H&S criteria. Because SSIP schemes mutually recognise each other (“deem to satisfy”), many public buyers will accept any valid SSIP member certificate at PQQ.
  • Build UK Common Assessment Standard (CAS): A broader pre-qualification standard (health & safety plus areas like finance and sustainability). Some public bodies and Tier 1s ask for CAS to simplify supply chain assurance. If your clients mention CAS, it’s worth gaining.
  • ISO 45001 (Occupational H&S Management Systems): Not a legal requirement, but it demonstrates a formal, auditable H&S system and can strengthen quality/assurance marks in method statements. (It goes beyond minimum legal compliance, so implement it where proportionate.)

How to deploy in tenders: Put certificates in an appendix, then signpost them in your responses. “See Appendix A – SSIP certificate” is enough; use the word count to explain how your system will control risk on this contract.

4) Show project-specific risk control (this is where many bids win or lose)

Generic promises won’t score. Evaluators want to see specific risks and controls for their site:

  • Construction Phase Plan (CPP): Confirm you’ll produce/update the CPP before works commence, aligned to the employer’s information and your design/methods. State who writes it, who reviews it, and how it’s briefed. Under CDM, the principal contractor (on multi-contractor projects) or contractor (single contractor) must ensure this is in place. (HSE)
  • RAMS tailored to the job: Explain how you build RAMS from site information (e.g., service drawings, asbestos registers), design risk info, and your site reconnaissance.
  • Key controls buyers look for (examples):
    • Service strikes: CAT & Genny, permit-to-dig, trial holes, cable avoidance supervision.
    • Working at height: Edge protection, MEWP selection, rescue plan, fragile surfaces.
    • Lifting ops: LOLER-compliant gear, lift plans, competent Appointed Person.
    • Dust/silica: Wet cutting, on-tool extraction, face-fit testing, health surveillance.
    • Public interface: Segregation, traffic management, banksmen, out-of-hours working.
  • Welfare & inductions: Set out welfare standards, site-specific induction content, and daily start-of-shift briefings. (These are explicit CDM/principal contractor responsibilities.)

Tip: Use short tables in your method statements: Risk → Control → Who → When → Evidence. It reads well and scores quickly.

5) Evidence incident reporting, RIDDOR compliance, and learning

Public clients want confidence that if something happens, you report it correctly and learn from it:

  • RIDDOR compliance: Explain who decides if an event is reportable, how you report, and how you keep records. Reference your escalation flow (Supervisor → H&S → Director) and timeframes. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 set out what must be reported and how.
  • KPIs that matter: AFR, near-misses closed within X days, % toolbox talks completed, audit close-out rates.
  • Learning loop: Show a recent example of a change (e.g., new dust suppression method) introduced after an incident/near-miss review.

6) Control your supply chain (your risk is only as strong as your weakest subbie)

Under CDM, you must check the skills, knowledge, experience and organisational capability of anyone you appoint. In tenders, outline how you:

  • Pre-qualify subcontractors (e.g., SSIP accepted, references, insurance).
  • Review subbie RAMS against your CPP and site conditions.
  • Brief and monitor (inductions, permits, toolbox talks, supervision, corrective actions).
  • Escalate and replace suppliers who don’t meet standards.

This shows evaluators you won’t let standards drop once the job starts.

7) How to present H&S in your tender (and score higher)

Keep it structured, concise, and auditable:

  1. Answer the question asked—mirror the buyer’s headings.
  2. Link policy to practice: “Here’s the policy” → “Here’s the exact site process.”
  3. Use project-specific RAMS extracts (one page per high-risk activity) to prove relevance.
  4. Reference your certifications (SSIP/CAS/ISO 45001) without burning word count.
  5. Attach an evidence pack (certificates, sample inspection form, training matrix, organogram).
  6. Avoid jargon or explain it the first time (e.g., RAMS = risk assessments and method statements).

Practical UK examples

  • Example A – Footpath renewal for a local authority:
    Focus on public interface and utilities. Provide RAMS for saw cutting and slab removal, dust control, vehicle/pedestrian segregation, permit-to-dig, and weekend working. Include evidence of CAT & Genny training and a sample traffic management plan.
  • Example B – Classroom refurbishment during term time:
    Emphasise access control, safeguarding co-ordination with the school, noise/dust scheduling, and asbestos awareness (reference asbestos register controls and briefings). Provide staged programme with out-of-hours noisy works and evidence of fit-testing for RPE.
  • Example C – Small bridge painting package:
    Address work at height, containment for paint/dust, environmental spill response, and lifting of access equipment. Show LOLER thorough examination records and your rescue plan.

Summary

Winning UK public sector work means proving you are legally compliant under CDM, organisationally competent (ideally evidenced by SSIP/CAS and, where proportionate, ISO 45001), and project-specific in your risk controls. Make it easy for evaluators to see how you’ll manage real hazards on their job, report incidents properly (RIDDOR), and keep your supply chain safe. Do this well and your health and safety UK construction credentials become a competitive advantage—not just a checkbox.

Ready to improve your tender compliance and win more public contracts?
Sign up for bid support: https://portal.askabidwriter.com/register

FAQs

1) Do I need ISO 45001 to win public sector work?
No, but it helps showcase a formal system. Many buyers accept SSIP as a baseline for PQQs.

2) Is any SSIP scheme acceptable?
HSE encourages clients to accept valid SSIP certificates and avoid duplicate assessments. Check buyer instructions, but SSIP is widely recognised.

3) Who prepares the Construction Phase Plan?
Before work starts, the principal contractor (multi-contractor jobs) or contractor (single-contractor jobs) ensures the CPP is prepared and briefed.

4) What incidents must I report under RIDDOR?
Work-related deaths, specified serious injuries, certain diseases, and dangerous occurrences—see HSE’s RIDDOR guidance.

5) What’s the difference between SSIP and CAS?
SSIP focuses on H&S core criteria. CAS is a wider pre-qualification standard used by some buyers to cover additional areas beyond H&S.

How to Stand Out in a Competitive Tender Market (UK Construction SMEs)

Posted on by John Hudson

The opportunity (and the problem)

Public sector construction buyers—from councils to NHS Trusts and housing associations—are under intense pressure: deliver more, faster, and greener, while proving value for money. That means more competition, tighter compliance, and buyers who expect crystal-clear bids that reduce their risk.

If you’re a small or medium contractor, this is your opening. SMEs win tenders every day by being sharper, more responsive, and easier to manage than bigger rivals. The difference isn’t glossy brochures; it’s disciplined choices, relevant evidence, and bids written in plain English that make a buyer’s life easier.

Below are practical ways to differentiate right now.

1) Start with ruthless bid/no-bid discipline

Before writing a single word, test fit:

  • Right scope & geography? If the lot is for reactive housing repairs across three boroughs and you cover only one, you’ll leak margin on call-outs and travel.
  • Must-haves in place? Insurance limits, SSIP (e.g., CHAS) and (where asked) ISO 9001/14001/45001. If you can’t meet a pass/fail now, don’t gamble—fix the gap or walk away.
  • Capacity & peaks. Does your programme clash with another live project? If the buyer sees resourcing risk, you’ll score down on deliverability.
  • Price realism. Framework rates can look tempting, but if prelims, waste, or night working are excluded, you’ll chase a loss.

Tip: Use a one-page checklist. If any red flag stays red after a quick call with procurement, don’t bid. Protecting your hit-rate is the fastest route to construction bid success.

Example: A district council issues a minor works framework (lots under £1m). You lack listed-building experience, which the quality questions emphasise. Pass—it’s not shaped for you. Instead, target a schools refurbishment package where your recent classrooms project maps 1:1 to the spec.

2) Write to the evaluation criteria, not to your company

Public buyers typically award on “most economically advantageous” offers—quality + price, with social value embedded. Your job is to mirror the scoring model:

  • Lift criteria into your headings. If the question says “Methodology (40%)—show programme, risk management, supply chain”, your subheads should be exactly that.
  • Answer with evidence. Replace “We’re committed to safety” with “RIDDOR-free for 24 months; supervisor holds SMSTS; weekly H&S inspections logged via [system]; sample inspection form attached.”
  • Make it easy to mark. Short paragraphs, bullet lists, and signposting like (See Appendix A: Phasing Programme). Use the buyer’s terminology (e.g., “RAMS”, “traffic management”, “decant plan”) and explain any jargon the first time you use it.

Example: For an NHS ward refurbishment (live environment), evaluators want zero-disruption detail. Include your infection prevention controls, hoarding method, dust and noise thresholds, and a red/amber/green access plan agreed at pre-start meetings.

3) Differentiate on risk removal and whole-life value (not just price)

When buyers can’t easily separate two similar contractors, the decider is often who reduces their risk and who creates measurable outcomes.

  • Programme certainty. Provide a bar-chart or two-week lookahead with critical path notes and contingency for delayed materials. Offer an early-order schedule for long-lead items (doorsets, flooring, MEP kit).
  • Method certainty. Show a staged method: enabling → isolation → strip-out → first fix → second fix → clean/commission → soft landings. Attach a sample ITP (Inspection & Test Plan).
  • Supply chain control. Name your key subcontractors and a back-up. State framework rates (if relevant), payment terms, and how you ensure labour continuity across peaks.
  • Whole-life value. Demonstrate how your approach cuts maintenance, energy, or lifecycle cost: e.g., “We propose LED panels with 50,000-hour life and replaceable drivers; O&M manual includes QR-coded assets for faster FM response.”

Social value done well (plain English):

  • Local jobs & skills: “Two apprentices from the council’s job-brokerage; 40 hours of site visits for a local college; tool-box talks on CV writing delivered by our site manager.”
  • SME spend: “65% of spend within 20 miles using three named local suppliers.”
  • Carbon & waste: “Segregated waste → 95% diverted from landfill; use of recycled aggregates; low-VOC paints; consolidated deliveries to cut trips by 20%.”

Make each promise specific, costed, and measurable—and show how you’ll track and report it monthly.

4) Prove capability with like-for-like evidence

Evaluators are trained to ask: “Have they done this specific thing before, safely and to time?” Feed them proof:

  • Mini case studies (1 page max): Project name, client, value, duration, short scope, 3–5 quantified results (“Handed over 1 week early; 0 defects at PC; 98% waste recycled”). Add a client quote or contact if allowed.
  • CVs that map to the brief: Put the Project Manager and Site Manager front and centre. Each CV should highlight 2–3 directly relevant projects and precise responsibilities (decanting, asbestos coordination, live-ward working, occupied high-rise, etc.).
  • Certificates & policies: SSIP, insurances, safeguarding (for schools), modern slavery, equality & diversity, data protection, and environmental policy. Only attach what’s asked and reference the rest online if permitted.
  • Design & compliance (where relevant): If D&B, show your designer’s CDM competency, a sample design risk register, and how you manage design freeze to protect programme.

Example: A council housing-repairs lot asks for responsive repairs in occupied properties. Include a case study from a similar social-housing contract that focuses on no-access management, tenant liaison, and Right to Repair timescales, not just bricklaying skill.

5) Price to win and deliver, not to win and worry

A cracking method statement won’t save a suicidal price. In public tenders, abnormally low bids are challenged—and even if accepted, they damage your reputation.

  • Unpack the scope carefully: Out-of-hours? Hoists? Temporary works design? Waste disposal routes? Protection to finishes? Final clean? Commissioning and training?
  • Quantify prelims properly: Management time, site accommodation, welfare, security, permits, parking, metered services, as-built drawings, O&M manuals.
  • Check risk allocation: Who pays for surveys? Are PC sums realistic? Are defects/latent conditions handled?
  • Be explicit about assumptions: If documents conflict, state what you’ve priced and ask a clarification.
  • Payment: Confirm you meet public-sector prompt payment expectations and how you pay your own supply chain—this reassures buyers you won’t create downstream risk.

Example: For a school summer works window, the winning SMEs often include a micro-programme with weekend working costs built in, rather than hoping to recover them later.

6) Make your response readable, checkable, and on-brand

Presentation won’t fix weak content, but it will stop good content being missed.

  • One page = one idea. Clear headings, short sentences, active verbs.
  • Compliance matrix: A table that lists each requirement and where you’ve addressed it.
  • Graphics with a job to do: Programme bar chart, site logistics, stakeholder map, RACI. Keep it simple enough to print in black-and-white.
  • Final checks: Word/character counts, page limits, appendices named exactly as requested, file types and sizes tested.
  • Independent review: Get a “red team” reviewer who didn’t write the answer. Their brief: “If you were the buyer, where would you score us down?”

7) Build a light but disciplined bid engine

SMEs don’t need a huge team—they need a repeatable rhythm:

  1. 12-month pipeline (frameworks and direct tenders) with a simple probability score.
  2. Capture notes for each live opportunity: buyer drivers, hot-buttons, decision-makers, site constraints.
  3. Storyboards for each quality question before writing starts.
  4. Evidence library you can drop in and tune (CVs, case studies, policies, photos).
  5. Close-out reviews after each bid: what scored, what didn’t, and updates to templates.

Do this consistently for six months and your quality scores will climb—often without adding headcount.

Quick UK-focused use cases

  • Leisure centre boiler-plant replacement (local authority): Win on phasing and safety—weekend changeover, isolation plans, temporary heat provision, and meter-by-meter commissioning plan.
  • NHS ward compliance refresh: Win on live-environment control—infection prevention, screened routes, decant plan, and detailed comms with the Matron and Estates.
  • Primary school refurbishment (summer window): Win on programme certainty—milestone-based plan with float, daily sign-off with the site manager, and a snag-free handover checklist.
  • Highways minor works: Win on traffic management competence—NRSWA-competent supervisors, TTRO lead-times built into the programme, and night-shift resourcing already costed.

Summary

Standing out in a saturated public-sector market isn’t about louder claims—it’s about making the buyer’s decision easy: show you understand their risks, prove you’ve handled the same challenges before, price transparently, and present a plan that will work in the real world. Keep your bid engine lean and repeatable, and you’ll see steady gains in quality scores and awards.

Ready to sharpen your next bid?
Sign up for our portal: https://portal.askabidwriter.com/register

FAQs

1) Do SMEs really win against large nationals?
Yes—especially on minor works and regionally-let frameworks where responsiveness, local supply chains, and low overheads matter.

2) What’s a typical quality/price split?
Common splits range from 60/40 to 70/30 in favour of quality. Always tailor your effort to the published weighting.

3) How many case studies should I include?
Usually 2–3 relevant projects that mirror the scope, value, and environment (e.g., occupied buildings).

4) How do I handle social value if we’re a small team?
Pick few, specific, measurable commitments: apprentices, local spend, volunteering aligned to the buyer’s community, and clear reporting.

5) What’s the fastest way to improve scores?
Storyboards + evidence library + independent reviews. Consistency beats last-minute heroics.

Top Mistakes Contractors Make in Tender Submissions (and How to Avoid Them)

Posted on by John Hudson

Public sector work can stabilise your pipeline, smooth cashflow and raise your profile—but only if your tender submission actually scores. Too many UK SMEs lose out not because they can’t deliver the job, but because of preventable tender mistakes that drag scores down. If you’re new or semi-experienced with construction tenders, this guide breaks down the most frequent pitfalls and gives plain-English bid writing tips to help you compete—and win. These are the most common tender mistakes UK contractors make, plus what to do instead.

1) Not answering the question (or the scoring)

The problem: Bidders recycle old copy, waffle, or miss parts of a multi-element question. Evaluators mark against the scoring criteria—not potential.

How to avoid it:

  • Map the marks. Copy the question into a working doc and break it down into bullet points. If the Highways Maintenance lot asks about traffic management, safety inspections, defect response times and contingency, give each its own sub-section so nothing is missed.
  • Mirror their language. Use the buyer’s headings and terminology. If the prompt says “methodology”, call that section Methodology—not “Our Approach”.
  • Answer, then evidence. Structure each response as What you’ll do → How you’ll do it → Proof you’ve done it before.
  • Stick to limits. If Manchester City Council caps answers at 750 words, write 740–748. Overruns are often cut; under-length answers rarely cover the brief.

Example: A social housing voids tender asks for resourcing, mobilisation and tenant liaison. The winning answer outlines a named site manager, a 4-week mobilisation plan with checklist dates, and a tenant communication protocol—including sample letters and KPIs—rather than generic statements about “excellent customer service”.

2) Thin evidence and vague claims

The problem: Phrases like “industry-leading” and “best-in-class” score nothing without proof. Buyers want risk reduction.

How to avoid it:

  • Use specific, recent case studies (ideally UK local authority, NHS or university). Include project name, value, duration, scope and measurable outcomes: “Defects closed within 24 hours, 98.6% on-time completion across 1,200 reactive orders.”
  • Quote KPIs and client feedback. “Client satisfaction 4.7/5 (Q2–Q4 2024) on the Civic Buildings FM contract.”
  • Evidence competence and capacity. Include team CVs with role-specific certifications (e.g., SSSTS/SMSTS, NRSWA, IPAF) and a resource histogram or programme extract if permitted.
  • Show process artefacts. Append (where allowed) sample risk registers, inspection forms, commissioning checklists, as-built sign-off sheets—redacted if needed.

Example: For a university laboratory refurbishment, attach a short case study that proves clean-room working, out-of-hours phasing, and zero-defect handover—rather than a generic refurbishment story.

3) Leaving compliance to the last minute

The problem: Many tenders have a pass/fail gateway—get one item wrong and you’re out before quality scoring. Common trip-ups: expired insurance certificates, missing policies, incomplete declarations, and inconsistent Companies House details.

How to avoid it:

  • Create a compliance pack you can drop into any tender:
    • Insurance: Employers’ Liability, Public/Product Liability and (if design) Professional Indemnity at the required limits.
    • Policies: Health & Safety, Environmental (with carbon reduction actions), Quality, Equal Opportunities, Modern Slavery, Data Protection.
    • Accreditations: SSIP (e.g., CHAS/SafeContractor), ISO 9001/14001/45001 if held, Constructionline level, waste carrier licence, CSCS policy.
    • Key records: Organisational chart, plant maintenance regime, training matrix, sample RAMS.
  • Keep a document register with owners and expiry dates. Don’t discover at 21:45 on deadline day that your PI insurance lapsed last week.
  • Check portals early. Register on the buyer’s e-tendering portal (e.g., Proactis, Procontract, Atamis) and run a test upload so you know acceptable file types and size limits.
  • Consistency matters. Your legal name, VAT number and addresses should match across PQQs, declarations and certificates.

Example: A county council highways framework rejects submissions where the insurance schedule doesn’t list the principal business activity. Fix this before submission—don’t rely on a post-deadline clarification.

4) Treating social value as an afterthought

The problem: Social value usually carries a separate quality score (often 10–20%) in UK public tenders. Many bidders write warm words without targets, baselines or tracking—easy marks thrown away.

How to avoid it:

  • Commit to measurable, local outcomes that align with the buyer’s priorities: apprenticeships, local supply chain spend, school engagement, carbon reduction, volunteering hours.
  • Set clear targets and how you’ll measure them. “Two apprentices (L2 carpentry) recruited within 3 months; 15% of contract value with SMEs within the borough; 10% CO₂ reduction vs 2024 baseline through EV vans on site.”
  • Explain delivery mechanics: who leads, partners (e.g., local colleges), reporting frequency and evidence (payslips, receipts, attendance logs).
  • Pick promises you can keep. Evaluators prefer realistic numbers with a delivery plan over inflated offers that will be negotiated down post-award.

Example: On a leisure centre refurbishment, propose free “Try a Trade” workshops with the site team during school holidays, backed by a schedule and safeguarding plan, plus quarterly reports to the council’s social value officer.

5) Messy pricing and unclear assumptions

The problem: Arithmetic errors, missing lines in the pricing schedule, inconsistent rates and unexplained zeroes can trigger clarifications, re-ranking—or disqualification. Abnormally low pricing raises red flags.

How to avoid it:

  • Follow the pricing workbook exactly. If the schedule asks for dayworks, prelims and overheads separately, don’t merge them in a lump sum.
  • Document assumptions (in the designated cell or clarification area only). Example: “Rates exclude weekend working unless instructed” or “Allowance for temporary works as per DWG-003 set”.
  • Check internal coherence. If your labour rate implies a margin that contradicts your overheads sheet, you’ll get challenged.
  • Run a cold arithmetic check by someone not involved in the build-up. Confirm VAT treatment and units (linear metres vs m² trips many bidders).
  • Stress-test the programme. Link your prelims to a realistic programme; if you shave two weeks off to appear cheap, your resources must still make sense.

Example: On a minor civils Lot, a bidder put “0” for traffic management because “usually by client”. The ITT required a rate regardless. They were marked non-compliant. Always price every line unless explicitly instructed not to.

Presentation still counts (without fluff)

The problem: Hard-to-read responses lose marks because evaluators can’t find what they need quickly.

How to avoid it:

  • Make it skimmable. Use the buyer’s headings, bold key phrases, short paragraphs and numbered steps.
  • Include simple visuals if allowed. An organogram, a 6-step mobilisation timeline or a risk heat-map can help. Never use images to dodge word counts.
  • Proof once for content, once for format. Check page limits, font size, file names, and whether attachments need separate uploads.

A simple, repeatable tender process for SMEs

Use this lightweight, five-step rhythm on every ITT:

  1. Kick-off (Day 1): Read all docs. Build a requirements matrix (questions, marks, word counts, attachments, mandatory pass/fail items). Decide no-bid quickly if you can’t comply.
  2. Storyboarding (Days 1–2): Draft bullet-point answers mirroring the questions. List the proof you’ll use (KPIs, photos, certificates, testimonials).
  3. First draft (Days 2–4): Write to the marks. Insert proof. Keep an eye on word limits.
  4. Red review (Day 5): Someone uninvolved scores your answers against the published criteria. Fix gaps and thin evidence.
  5. Gold review & submit (Day 6–7): Final checks on compliance pack, pricing and formatting. Upload early.

Follow this and you’ll cut common errors while making steady improvements tender to tender.

Summary

Winning public sector work isn’t about fancy prose; it’s about clear answers, credible proof, clean compliance and sensible pricing. Avoid the pitfalls above, and your construction tenders will score higher with less stress. Want practical templates and checklists to make this process easier? Sign up for our free portal: https://portal.askabidwriter.com/register

FAQs

1) How long should my case studies be?
150–250 words each is plenty—focus on results, dates, value and relevance to the buyer.

2) Do I need ISO certifications to win?
Not always. They help, but many buyers accept equivalent procedures. Make sure your quality, environmental and H&S processes are documented and auditable.

3) How do I find construction tenders?
Register on the Find a Tender Service (FTS) and major e-tendering portals used by local authorities and universities. Set alerts by CPV code and region.

4) What happens if I exceed a word or page limit?
Excess text is often ignored or the bid may be non-compliant. Write tight and stay within limits.

5) What’s a quick win to improve scores next time?
Add measurable social value with a delivery plan, and strengthen each answer with a fresh, relevant case study and KPI.

Ready to turn these bid writing tips into a repeatable system—with templates, checklists and examples? Join the portal now: https://portal.askabidwriter.com/register

What Is the Best Construction Procurement Portal for Small Builders?

Posted on by John Hudson

Small builders face constant pressure to find steady, profitable work—often with fewer resources and limited access to high-value tenders. Without the right tools, it can be time-consuming to identify opportunities and submit compliant, compelling bids.

That’s where a construction procurement portal can make all the difference. These platforms streamline the tendering process, helping small firms save time, stay organised, and increase their chances of winning work.

In this guide, we explain what a procurement portal is, how to evaluate your options, and what to look for when choosing the right platform for your business.

Why Small Builders Need a Construction Procurement Portal

Manual bid tracking, tight deadlines, and complex submission requirements can quickly overwhelm smaller teams. A construction procurement portal solves these issues by providing:

  • Centralised access to live opportunities
  • Tailored alerts for relevant contracts
  • Digital tools that simplify bidding workflows

With platforms like Construction Tenders, small builders receive sector-specific tender alerts and access to expert bid writing support—without the need for a large in-house team.

Discover how our tender alert service helps small construction firms find the right opportunities faster.

Key Features to Look For

Variety of Tender Listings

A robust portal should give you access to both public and private sector contracts, including:

  • Local authority works
  • Government-funded infrastructure projects
  • Housing association repairs
  • Small works frameworks and DPS (Dynamic Purchasing Systems)

The broader the range, the more growth opportunities you unlock.

Gain access to exclusive construction tenders through our subscription packages.

User-Friendly Interface

A clear, intuitive dashboard helps you stay focused. Look for:

  • Simple navigation and filters by location, trade, or project size
  • Mobile-friendly design for use on-site or on-the-go
  • Clean formatting to quickly assess contract relevance
  • This ensures you spend less time navigating and more time bidding.

Real-Time Alerts and Notifications

Missing a deadline can mean missing out on work. Your portal should offer:

  • Customisable alerts based on your services and location
  • Deadline reminders via email or SMS
  • Notifications for changes in submission documents
  • Staying informed allows you to respond faster—and smarter.

Get tender alerts tailored to your trade—try our portal today.

Integrated Bid Management Tools

Efficient tendering requires structure. Your chosen portal should support:

  • Document storage with version control
  • A clear overview of active and past bids
  • Collaboration tools for team-based input and review

These features reduce administrative stress and keep your bids on track.

Need help managing multiple submissions? Discover our bid management services.

Dedicated Customer Support

Responsive support can mean the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful submission. Seek platforms that offer:

  • Live chat or direct messaging
  • Phone and email access to UK-based support teams
  • Optional extras like bid writing, reviews, and consultancy

At Construction Tenders, our clients benefit from a support team that understands the tendering landscape inside out.

Not sure where to start? Book a free consultation with one of our experts.

How to Choose the Right Portal in the UK

When comparing portals, consider the following:

  • Reputation: Is the platform trusted within the industry? Look for client testimonials or case studies.
  • Pricing: Flexible monthly subscriptions or pay-as-you-go options work best for small firms.
  • Tender Relevance: Ensure the portal regularly features small works, local authority, or SME-focused contracts.
  • Support Services: Platforms offering expert bid writing or strategic guidance can significantly improve your success rate.

Construction Tenders is built for small and growing construction businesses. Our team actively sources sector-specific tenders and supports you throughout the bidding process.

Conclusion

Choosing the right construction procurement portal can unlock new opportunities, reduce admin, and position your business for sustainable growth. With access to targeted tenders, automated alerts, and built-in support, small builders can compete—and win—more effectively than ever before.

Take control of your tendering journey.
Contact our team to get started today.

FAQs

  1. What is a construction procurement portal?
    It is an online platform that connects suppliers with construction tenders from public and private buyers. It often includes tools to manage submissions and deadlines.
  2. Are procurement portals suitable for small businesses?
    Yes, particularly platforms that specialise in SME support. They simplify the tender process and offer access to relevant opportunities.
  3. Is it expensive to join a construction procurement portal?
    Costs vary, but many portals offer flexible subscriptions and free trials. At Construction Tenders, plans start from just £45/month.
  4. Can I manage all my tenders in one place?
    Yes. Most platforms offer dashboards to track active submissions, manage documents, and set reminders.
  5. Will I need training to use the portal?
    Most systems are user-friendly. However, our support team is on hand if you need guidance or would like help with bid writing

Related blogs : A Comprehensive Guide To Procurement In Construction: Methods, Challenges And Best Practices

Finding Success in Procurement and Tendering in Construction

 

How AI & Technology Are Changing the Construction Tendering Process

Posted on by John Hudson

The construction sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and nowhere is this more evident than in the tendering process. Traditional methods—marked by manual tracking, paper-heavy submissions, and time-intensive evaluations—are steadily being replaced by AI-driven and digital solutions.

From real-time tender alerts to automated compliance checks and predictive analytics, today’s tools offer construction firms a faster, smarter route to winning work. For companies looking to stay competitive, embracing this shift is no longer optional.

This blog explores how artificial intelligence and technology are revolutionising construction tendering—and how your business can benefit.

The Challenges of Traditional Construction Tendering

Before exploring the role of AI, it’s important to understand the common limitations of traditional tendering practices:

  • Time-consuming workflows: Manual tender searches and bid preparation often delay project pipelines.
  • Human error: Mistakes in submission requirements or pricing can result in automatic disqualification.
  • Lack of data-led decisions: Many businesses rely on instinct over evidence, leading to wasted resources.
  • Siloed teams: Disconnected departments often suffer from poor communication and missed deadlines.

These inefficiencies can hold back even the most capable firms. Fortunately, AI addresses each of these pain points.

Looking to modernise your bid process? Explore our Bid Management Support Services.

How AI and Technology Are Transforming Tendering

AI-Powered Tender Discovery and Bid Tracking

Finding relevant tenders early can mean the difference between success and a missed opportunity. AI-driven tender platforms:

  • Scan thousands of sources to surface tenders aligned with your sector, location, and capabilities.
  • Send real-time alerts when relevant opportunities are published.
  • Analyse past performance to inform future bid strategies.
  • Our Tender Alerts & Tracking Services deliver real-time insights tailored to your business needs.

Automated Prequalification and Compliance Checks

AI tools automate eligibility assessments to help you avoid unsuitable tenders. They can:

  • Verify accreditations and financial compliance instantly.
  • Match your work history to specification requirements.
  • Flag areas where you may fall short—early in the process.

This reduces wasted effort and improves your win rate. We offer Tender Readiness Services to ensure you’re always prepared.

Ensure your next bid starts from a position of strength.

AI-Driven Bid Writing Assistance

High-quality, compelling proposals are essential. AI-enhanced writing tools can:

  • Draw on successful templates to produce tailored responses.
  • Align answers with evaluation criteria to maximise scoring.
  • Highlight differentiators that matter to buyers.

Our Bid Writing Support combines human expertise with AI to craft persuasive bids.

Let us help you write proposals that win.

Enhanced Cost Estimation and Risk Assessment

Accurate pricing ensures competitiveness and protects your margins. AI-based estimators:

  • Use past data to predict accurate cost models.
  • Identify likely cost overruns using risk algorithms.
  • Benchmark against industry pricing for competitive positioning.
  • Gain pricing confidence with AI-informed commercial strategies—explore our pricing consultancy services today.

Blockchain for Transparency and Security

While still emerging in construction, blockchain offers several advantages:

  • Prevents tampering with bid documents.
  • Increases fairness with transparent auditing.
  • Enables smart contracts that activate on bid award.
  • These features offer peace of mind, especially for high-value or public sector projects.
  • Trust is key—our digital compliance tools can help futureproof your bidding.

Digital Collaboration and Cloud-Based Management

Cloud-based systems enhance team collaboration on live bids:

  • Centralised dashboards keep teams aligned.
  • Version control reduces admin errors.
  • Task automation accelerates delivery.
  • Our platform enables construction teams to manage multiple bids across locations with confidence.

Improve coordination and reduce bottlenecks with our cloud-based bid management systems.

Predictive Analytics for Strategic Decisions

Data-driven insights are critical when choosing which tenders to pursue. Predictive analytics:

  • Highlight patterns in winning bids.
  • Identify emerging sectors and growth regions.
  • Suggest strategic partners or consortiums based on past outcomes.

With these insights, businesses can prioritise high-probability bids and avoid overextending.

Leverage data to make informed, strategic tendering decisions.

Benefits of AI in Construction Tendering

AI and technology offer clear advantages for construction firms:

  • Efficiency: Automates manual, time-consuming tasks.
  • Accuracy: Reduces human error and enhances bid compliance.
  • Competitive edge: Improves targeting and response quality.
  • Cost control: Optimises resource use and pricing strategies.
  • Transparency: Builds trust through traceability and fairness.

The Role of a Construction Bid Tracking System

To maximise the benefits of AI, you need the right tools. Our bid tracking system:

  • Scans thousands of tenders daily to surface relevant matches.
  • Sends tailored alerts to your inbox.
  • Applies AI to prioritise the tenders most aligned with your business.
  • Ensures document compliance for faster, error-free submissions.

These features reduce your team’s workload and increase your success rate. Clients using our system consistently report more wins and less admin.

Request a demo of our Construction Tender Tracker to see it in action.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence and digital tools are reshaping the way construction companies tender for work. From identifying the right opportunities to improving bid quality and accuracy, technology enables firms to work smarter, respond faster, and win more.

Adopting a construction bid tracking system gives your team the foundation to implement AI strategically—enhancing every stage of the tender process.

Don’t get left behind contact our team today for a personalised consultation.

Related blogs : The Future of Construction Contracts: Trends to Watch

Upcoming Construction Tenders: Where to Find the Best Opportunities

Posted on by John Hudson

Introduction

Securing construction contracts is vital for business growth, yet identifying suitable opportunities can be challenging. With numerous projects emerging regularly, staying informed about upcoming construction tenders is essential to maximise your chances of winning bids.

A reliable construction bid tracking system can assist in pinpointing tenders that align with your expertise, ensuring no opportunity is missed. This guide explores where to find the best construction tenders and how bid tracking can streamline the process.

Why Finding the Right Tenders Matters

Success in construction tendering isn’t solely about submitting bids; it’s about targeting tenders that align with your capabilities and business objectives. Selecting inappropriate opportunities can lead to wasted resources and financial strain. By focusing on suitable tenders, businesses can:

  • Enhance their success rate in securing contracts.
  • Optimise resource allocation and project planning.
  • Strengthen their industry reputation.

Discover how our construction bid tracking service can help you identify the right opportunities.

Where to Find the Best Construction Tenders

Government Procurement Portals

Public sector construction tenders offer significant opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Government projects are often published on official procurement websites, providing access to a wide range of tenders. These portals typically offer:

  • Local, regional, and national government construction projects.
  • Framework agreements and term contracts.
  • Transparent evaluation criteria and fair competition opportunities.

Monitoring these portals regularly ensures you never miss a public-sector construction tender that fits your expertise.

Explore tenders on Contracts Finder and Find a Tender.

Private Sector Tender Portals

Private sector tenders may not always be publicly advertised. However, many developers and corporations publish tenders through specialised construction tender portals. These platforms:

  • List projects from private companies and infrastructure firms.
  • Provide access to high-value and long-term contracts.
  • Offer subcontracting opportunities on larger projects.

Engaging with these portals increases visibility and access to exclusive private sector projects.

Register with Constructionline Marketplace for private sector opportunities.

Local Authority and Council Websites

Local councils commission various construction projects, offering smaller-scale but lucrative contracts. These tenders are ideal for businesses aiming to:

  • Work on public infrastructure projects like roads and schools.
  • Build long-term relationships with local government bodies.
  • Gain credibility in the public sector.

Regularly checking local authority websites can help businesses find upcoming construction tenders within their region.

Networking and Industry Events

Attending industry events, trade shows, and networking meetups can reveal upcoming tenders. Benefits include:

  • Early insights into upcoming projects.
  • Building relationships with key decision-makers.
  • Discovering subcontracting opportunities with larger firms.

Being proactive in industry networking can provide a competitive edge when bidding for contracts.

Trade Associations and Membership Organisations

Joining industry associations provides access to exclusive tenders. These organisations:

  • Publish construction tender listings for members.
  • Offer training and certification to enhance bid credibility.
  • Provide insights into emerging trends and opportunities.

Membership can enhance a business’s visibility and credibility within the construction sector.

Consider joining Constructionline for member benefits.

Direct Contact with Developers and Contractors

Direct engagement with property developers and contractors can uncover upcoming projects. This approach helps businesses:

  • Identify potential projects before official advertisement.
  • Develop partnerships with firms seeking subcontractors.
  • Gain insights into buyer requirements.

Maintaining strong relationships with industry stakeholders positions businesses for future tender opportunities.

Using a Construction Bid Tracking System

A construction bid tracking service simplifies finding the right tenders by providing:

  • Real-time alerts on new tenders matching your capabilities.
  • Detailed tender breakdowns, including contract value and requirements.
  • Competitor insights to refine your bidding strategy.

With a bid tracking system, businesses can focus on preparing high-quality proposals without missing crucial opportunities.

Learn more about our construction bid tracking service to streamline your tendering process.

How to Maximise Your Success in Winning Tenders

Prequalify for Tenders

Some tenders require prequalification, where businesses must demonstrate:

Financial stability and project completion capability.

Relevant experience and case studies.

Compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Ensuring your business is prequalified improves your chances of being invited to bid on high-value projects.

Utilise our prequalification support services to enhance your eligibility.

Tailor Each Bid to Buyer Requirements

Submitting generic proposals won’t win tenders. Customise each bid by:

Reviewing tender documents and understanding evaluation criteria.

Highlighting relevant experience and successful projects.

Demonstrating value-added services like cost savings or innovation.

A well-tailored bid increases your chances of being shortlisted and selected.

Access our bid writing services to craft compelling proposals.

Offer Competitive but Realistic Pricing

Price is critical in tender evaluation, but underbidding can harm credibility. Ensure your pricing is:

  • Competitive while maintaining profitability.
  • Justified with a breakdown of costs.
  • Aligned with market rates and industry standards.

Transparent and fair pricing reassures buyers of your capability to deliver quality work.

Consult our pricing strategy experts for guidance on competitive bidding.

Leverage Past Performance and Case Studies

Even new businesses can strengthen bids by showcasing:

  • Successful projects with detailed case studies.
  • Testimonials from satisfied clients and partners.
  • Relevant experience from subcontracting or smaller projects.

Buyers seek assurance that contractors can meet expectations; strong case studies can significantly impact decisions.

Explore our case study development services to highlight your successes.

Stay Organised and Meet Deadlines

Late submissions can lead to disqualification. Keep track of deadlines by:

  • Using a bid tracking system to monitor tender timelines.
  • Preparing required documents in advance.
  • Ensuring compliance with all submission requirements.

Proper organisation enhances efficiency and ensures you never miss critical opportunities.

Implement our bid management tools to stay on schedule.

Conclusion

Finding and winning construction tenders requires a strategic approach, from identifying the right opportunities to preparing competitive bids. Whether targeting public or private sector contracts, leveraging industry networks, or using a construction bid tracking system, staying proactive is key.

A bid tracking service provides a competitive advantage by streamlining the tender search process, alerting businesses to new opportunities, and helping them focus on high-potential contracts. By continuously improving your tendering strategy and maintaining strong industry relationships, your business can secure valuable construction contracts and grow sustainably in the sector.

Ready to elevate your tendering success? Contact us today to learn how our services can support your business.

Related blogs : PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION TENDERS | 5 NEW CONTRACTS

  5 Benefits of eTenders Construction Businesses Should Know About

How to Respond to Construction Tenders with Limited Experience

Posted on by John Hudson

Introduction

Breaking into the construction sector with limited experience poses challenges, especially when tenders demand proven track records. Yet smaller firms can craft winning bids by focusing on strengths, partnerships, and compliance. This guide outlines practical steps to secure construction contracts, even with a lean portfolio.

Discover how our bid tracking platform and bid writing experts can help your team target the right opportunities.

Understanding the Tendering Process

Construction tenders typically progress through these stages:

  • Tender Notice– Publication of project scope, requirements, and deadline.
  • Pre-qualification—assessment of minimum standards via a PQQ.
  • Bid Submission– Delivery of methodology, pricing, compliance and references.
  • Evaluation– Buyer scores bids on experience, price, quality, and compliance.
  • Contract Award– Winning bidder begins project work.

Our tender management service guides you through each phase and ensures no deadline is missed.

Discover how our tender management can streamline your submissions.

Overcoming Limited Experience

1. Highlight Relevant Skills and Expertise

Emphasise your team’s qualifications and any related project history, such as small-scale refurbishments or maintenance. We craft portfolio summaries that spotlight transferable skills and industry certifications, meeting buyer expectations.

Discover how our bid writing service can present your strengths effectively.

2. Partner with Experienced Subcontractors

Form joint ventures or engage subcontractors with strong records to bolster credibility. Our subcontractor sourcing service helps you vet and contract reliable partners, ensuring seamless delivery.

Discover how our subcontractor vetting builds confidence in your bid.

3. Emphasise Quality and Innovation

Stand out by proposing efficient methods, modern materials, or digital site management tools. We integrate innovative solutions into your bid narrative, demonstrating forward thinking and cost savings.

4. Provide Strong References and Testimonials

Gather endorsements from smaller projects, suppliers, or mentors to support your credibility. We compile and format testimonials into compelling case studies that reassure buyers.

Discover how our case study templates can strengthen your references.

5. Meet Compliance and Accreditation Standards

Include up-to-date health and safety policies (CDM 2015), insurance certificates, and relevant accreditations (e.g., CHAS, ISO 9001). Our compliance audit service verifies your documents against the latest regulations.

Discover how our compliance audits ensure you meet tender requirements.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Price competitively but transparently. Use our cost-modeling tool to generate detailed breakdowns covering materials, labour, plant, and contingencies. This approach reassures buyers of your financial stability and value focus.

Discover how our cost modeling can protect your margins and win trust.

Leveraging Bid Tracking Software

A dedicated bid tracking system alerts you to tenders matched to your expertise, tracks submission deadlines, and organises compliance documents. Our platform offers real-time notifications, custom filters, and analytics on win rates.

Crafting a Winning Proposal

  • Read Thoroughly– Note evaluation criteria and submission rules.
  • Structure Clearly– Use sections for overview, skills, methodology, pricing, compliance, and references.
  • Focus on Value– Highlight long-term savings, sustainability, and quality.
  • Proofread & Submit Early– Avoid errors and lastminute issues.

Our proofreading and editing service ensures clarity and accuracy, reducing disqualification risk.

Discover how our editorial support can refine your final bid.

Conclusion

Even with limited experience, strategic bidding, strong partnerships, and compliance expertise can secure contracts. By leveraging our end-to-end services—bid writing, subcontractor vetting, compliance audits, cost modelling, and bid tracking—you position your firm to compete effectively.

Contact us for a demo of our bid management solutions.

Related blogs : Building construction contracts for tender

Concrete Tenders and the Construction Industry

How To Secure Highway Maintenance Tenders: A Comprehensive Guide For Bidders

Posted on by John Hudson

Securing highway maintenance tenders can be a competitive and challenging process, but with the right approach, contractors can successfully win and deliver these high-value projects. Highway maintenance is crucial for ensuring safe, efficient transport, and local councils, government bodies, and private organisations regularly tender for contractors to maintain and upgrade road networks. For contractors aiming to secure these contracts, understanding the tendering process and delivering a compelling, well-prepared bid is essential. This guide outlines the key steps contractors need to follow to improve their chances of winning highway maintenance tenders.

1. Understand the Tender Process and Requirements

The first step in securing highway maintenance tenders is to gain a thorough understanding of the tender documentation. Each tender will have specific requirements, including technical specifications, budget constraints, health and safety guidelines, and project deadlines. It’s crucial to carefully review all the documents to ensure your bid is compliant with all the stipulated conditions.

Pay attention to any special requirements, such as certifications, insurance, or specific methodologies, and take note of key dates and submission deadlines. A failure to meet even the smallest requirement could result in the disqualification of your tender. If anything is unclear, reach out to the client or tender issuer for clarification.

2. Highlight Relevant Experience and Expertise

Highway maintenance projects require a unique set of skills and expertise. To stand out in a competitive field, contractors should demonstrate their experience with similar projects. Showcase past highway maintenance works, particularly those involving similar scopes or conditions. Highlight your team’s expertise in key areas such as road resurfacing, pothole repairs, and drainage systems.

Providing a detailed portfolio or case studies of past projects can help the client understand your capabilities. If your team has experience managing complex or large-scale projects, be sure to emphasise this in your submission. Additionally, certifications, qualifications, and accreditations from recognised industry bodies, such as the Highway Maintenance Accreditation Scheme (HMAS), will give you an edge in the tender process.

3. Offer Competitive and Transparent Pricing

One of the most important factors in securing highway maintenance tenders is offering a competitive price. However, it’s important to balance cost-effectiveness with quality. Tender evaluators are looking for value for money, so providing a well-structured and transparent pricing proposal is essential.

An itemised cost breakdown will demonstrate your understanding of the project’s requirements and your ability to manage resources efficiently. Include estimates for labour, materials, equipment, and any subcontractors, while ensuring that all costs are realistic. Avoid underpricing, as this can raise concerns about your ability to deliver the project at the required standards.

In addition to providing a detailed budget, consider offering innovative solutions that might reduce overall costs or increase efficiency without compromising on quality. Showing a proactive approach to cost management can make your bid stand out.

4. Demonstrate a Strong Commitment to Health and Safety

Health and safety is of paramount importance in highway maintenance projects, where contractors often work in high-risk environments. To stand out in the tendering process, contractors should demonstrate a robust health and safety management system.

Provide a clear, comprehensive health and safety plan that outlines the measures you’ll take to protect workers, the public, and road users. Include details about risk assessments, safety equipment, staff training, and emergency procedures. Highlight any relevant health and safety certifications or industry awards that reinforce your commitment to safety.

A contractor with a solid safety track record and a clear commitment to maintaining safe working conditions will inspire confidence and trust in potential clients.

5. Address Environmental Impact and Sustainability

In today’s construction industry, sustainability is a key concern. Many organisations issuing highway maintenance tenders are looking for contractors who are committed to reducing their environmental impact. Whether it’s through the use of sustainable materials, waste reduction, or carbon footprint management, demonstrating your commitment to environmental sustainability can give you a competitive edge.

Ensure your tender submission includes an environmental management plan that outlines how you will minimise disruption to local ecosystems, reduce emissions, and manage waste during the project. If you use recycled or eco-friendly materials in your work, make sure to highlight this as well.

Sustainability isn’t just a selling point; it’s increasingly becoming a requirement for public-sector projects. Contractors who can demonstrate their environmental awareness will position themselves as responsible, forward-thinking businesses.

6. Provide Clear Timelines and Project Management Plans

Highway maintenance projects often come with strict timelines, and meeting deadlines is crucial to maintaining safety and minimising disruption. When submitting your bid, provide a clear, realistic timeline that outlines all major project milestones, including planning, mobilisation, execution, and completion stages.

Your timeline should reflect your ability to manage resources efficiently and stay on schedule. A strong project management plan will also show the client that you can coordinate effectively with all stakeholders, including local authorities, subcontractors, and suppliers. A detailed and feasible project timeline helps reassure the client that the work will be completed on time and to the required quality standards.

7. Provide Strong References and Testimonials

References from past clients can be a powerful tool in winning highway maintenance tenders. Providing testimonials or contact details of previous clients who can vouch for your work quality, reliability, and professionalism helps build credibility.

If you have successfully completed large-scale or high-profile maintenance projects, mention these in your tender and offer references from those projects. Positive reviews from well-known organisations or public bodies can significantly boost your chances of being awarded the contract.

Conclusion – 

Securing highway maintenance tenders requires a combination of experience, strategic pricing, health and safety compliance, and environmental responsibility. By carefully following the steps outlined above—understanding tender requirements, demonstrating relevant expertise, offering competitive pricing, and showcasing your commitment to quality and safety—you can increase your chances of winning high-value highway maintenance contracts.

For contractors looking to optimise their tendering process, streamline project management, and increase their chances of success, Hudson Outsourcing offers expert services and solutions. Visit Hudson Outsourcing today to learn how we can support your business in securing and managing highway maintenance tenders effectively.

Related:  7 Things you can Expect in Construction Tenders in the UK

The 5 Most Common Types of Structural Engineering Tenders You Could Win

Posted on by John Hudson

Are you aware of the types of structural engineering tenders you can bid for?

Knowing the type of structural engineering tenders buyers procure is a good starting point when finding new opportunities. In this blog, we have listed the five most common types of structural engineering tenders out there.

Already familiar with structural engineering tenders and want to get started?

To begin your search for new business opportunities, you can sign up to our Construction Tenders portal and get started.

The 5 most common types of structural engineering tenders you can source:

  1. Building

You will find that structural engineering tenders for buildings, is the most common type of tender you can source. The contracts involve working on the design and construction of the building so that it is structurally sound. This could be anything from a new build housing project to office buildings, to skyscrapers.

  1. Aeronautical

Structural engineering tenders within this sector can refer to both the vessels and the associated equipment (i.e., satellites). Services will involve ensuring the structure is stable, but also ensuring that it can operate consistently under the right conditions. Aeronautical structural engineering tenders will usually be based in airports or airfields. Anywhere that uses aircraft vessels. This could even mean space vessels.

  1. Nautical

These tenders could be for passenger vessels, cargo ships or even submarines. Basically, any vessels that are used out at sea. However, it could also include other structures that are associated with nautical vessels, such as wind-turbines. This could be design and building-associated equipment to support the vessels out at sea.

  1. Oil and Gas

Structural engineering tenders within the oil and gas industry can involve different projects/services. This could be pipework, working on a rig, or in the gas/oil field. Quite typically, working in this industry usually means working on quite a large structure. The projects will be big and require a lot of time. It could include anything from designing, testing, and inspecting equipment, to general maintenance and building work.

  1. Bridges

Structural engineering tenders here could include the designing of the bridge, inspection of the bridges, or building the structure. It will require you to ensure that the bridge works effectively in the environment it is built for. Ensuring it can withstand the required loads and is safe for use.

Summary

There are five common types of structural engineering tenders that you can bid for. These are:

  • Building
  • Aeronautical
  • Nautical
  • Oil and gas
  • Bridges

You may find that your services can crossover into different sectors. You will need to establish what you and your business can provide, and where your services lie. From there, you can then begin to source new structural engineering tenders.

Where can I find structural engineering tenders?

Are you looking for new structural engineering tenders? Use Construction Tenders to find your next opportunity.

Construction Tenders is one centralised, easy-to-navigate portal hosting public and private leads and tendering opportunities.

You don’t need to rely on CPV Codes. Our Opportunity Trackers manually search and upload tenders from hundreds of websites, making it easier for you to find them. You can find the best tender for you by filtering the results by budget, keyword, and location.

Here are just seven past structural engineering tenders we have sourced on our portal:

Structural Works at 24 St Peters Road, Whitby

Beyond Housing – Yorkshire – Budget: £35,000

Structural & Civil Engineering Consultant at Corby College

Bedford College – Eastern – Budget: £100,000

ESPH SB Civil and Structural Engineer Services for Bexhill Town Hall Renaissance Project (ESPH494)

Rother District Council – South East – Budget: £100,000

Structural Engineer Enquiry – Heanor Hub – Southeast Derbyshire College

Amber Valley Borough Council – East Midlands – Budget: £200,000

Civil Structural Engineering Services for Additional Accommodation at Brideswell NS, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, Ireland

Brideswell National School – Republic of Ireland – Budget: £1,580,000

CP7 Eastern Region Renewals and Minor Enhancements

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd – London – £4billion

Framework Agreement for the Provision of Aeronautical Engineering Technical Manpower Augmentation

Ministry of Defence – West Midlands – Budget: Undisclosed

A subscription to Construction Tenders will provide your business with:

  • Access to all unique, private, and public sector opportunities within the construction and engineering industry.
  • An on-hand Account Manager to answer any questions you may have about competitive tendering in construction.
  • A daily email bulletin sent straight to your inbox when new tenders are uploaded that day.
  • Discounted support from Hudson Succeed, our bid writing division.
  • 20-minutes free bid management consultancy each month.

Get in touch today to book a free live demo.

Want to save even more time? Upgrade to Discover Elite

Upgrade to Discover Elite to ensure you never miss a tender, even when you’re busy. The Ultimate Time-Saving Tool and the Become a Pre-Bid Master packages can improve your competitor awareness and bidding success rate. They can help save you even more time when searching for construction and engineering tenders.

The Ultimate Time Saver package offers:

  • An annual subscription to a maximum of two Discover sector-specific portals. This option best suits a business that overlaps two industries such as Construction and Transport.
  • A maximum of five tender breakdowns per month.
  • Weekly phone calls with your dedicated Account Manager to discuss viable tendering opportunities.
  • Pre-market and award engagement notices monitored on your behalf.
  • Buyer portal management including registration, password management, downloading documents and assessing viability based on your bid or no-bid strategy.

The Pre-Bid Master package offers your business:

  • All the above
  • Up to seven tender breakdowns per month, depending on the package you choose
  • A Strategy delivered by a Senior Bid Manager with a minimum of five years of experience. It will also be managed by our Global Bid Director.

For more information on how Discover Elite can work for you, get in touch today.

Need help writing your next tender?

If you don’t have the resources or time to write a winning bid, why not outsource it? Our sister company, Hudson Succeed, boasts an 87% success rate and has over 60 years of collective bidding experience. They offer four bid writing support packages to help you on the path to success. Whether you’re new to tendering, or simply need someone to proof your written response before you submit – we can help.

Tender Ready

Our Tender Ready programme is designed for those who have never tendered before. This 4-week programme works with you to ensure you have everything in place to tender successfully.

Tender Improvement

Tender Improvement can help if you’re already tendering but aren’t seeing success from your current efforts. Our Bid Writers will assess your previous submissions and supporting documents. They’ll give you feedback and guidance on how to improve, helping you to secure your next structural engineering tender.

Tender Mentor

If you’ve written a tender and need someone to proofread it – Tender Mentor is for you. A Bid Writer will double-check it’s in line with the specification and free of any grammar or spelling mistakes.

Tender Writing

If you’ve found the perfect tender but don’t know where to start – we can help. Send the specification over to us and our Bid Team will do the rest. They’ll let you know what they need from you and provide you with a full breakdown. They’ll even submit it on your behalf, leaving you more time to focus on your business.

Get in touch to find out more information.

We actively source tenders for the following sub-sectors:

How to win construction tenders in a £166 billion industry

Posted on by John Hudson

How to win construction tenders – 3 top tips

Have you ever wondered how to win construction tenders? According to GlobeNewswire, the construction industry is worth £166 billion in 2022. This represents major growth and development for the right construction business. This is where Construction Tenders comes into play…

Where can I source Construction Tenders?

Are you looking for new construction contracts? Use Construction Tenders to find your next opportunity.

Construction Tenders is one centralised, easy-to-navigate portal hosting public and private construction leadsand tendering opportunities.

You don’t need to rely on CPV Codes. Our Opportunity Trackers manually search and upload tenders from hundreds of websites, making it easier for you to find them. You can find the best tender for you by filtering the results by budget, keyword and location.

Here are 5 previous construction tenders sourced on our portal:

Supply and Fitting of Replacement Double Glazing Units at Sutton Bank Visitor Centre YO7 2EH
Director – Yorkshire and Humber – Budget: £27,000

Park House Works – Council of the Isles of Scilly
Council of the Isles of Scilly – South West – Budget: £60,000

Windows and Doors 2022
Harrow Council – Eastern – Budget: £490,000

AT1114 Scaffolding Services for BTS
Luton Council – London – Budget: £2,200,000

DUD – Survey, Supply and Installation of PVCu Windows, Composite Doors and Associated Brickwork Repairs 2022
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council – West Midlands – Budget: £25,000,000

A subscription to Construction Tenders will provide your business with:

  • Access to all unique, private and public sector opportunities within the construction industry.
  • An on-hand Account Manager to answer any questions you may have about competitive tendering in construction.
  • A daily email bulletin sent straight to your inbox when new construction tenders are uploaded that day.
  • Discounted support from Hudson Succeed, our bid writing division.
  • 20-minutes free bid management consultancy each month.

Get in touch today to book a free live demo.

Want to save even more time? Upgrade to Discover Elite

Upgrade to Discover Elite to ensure you never miss a tender, even when you’re busy. The Ultimate Time-Saving Tool and the Become a Pre-Bid Master packages can improve your competitor awareness and bidding success rate. They can help save you even more time when searching for construction tenders.

The Ultimate Time Saver package offers:

  • An annual subscription to a maximum of two Hudson Discoversector-specific portals. This option best suits a business that overlaps two industries such as Construction and Logistics.
  • A maximum of five tender breakdowns per month.
  • Weekly phone calls with your dedicated Account Manager to discuss viable tendering opportunities.
  • Pre-market and award engagement notices monitored on your behalf.
  • Buyer portal management including registration, password management, downloading documents and assessing viability based on your bid or no-bid

The Pre-Bid Master package offers your business:

  • All of the above
  • Up to seven tender breakdowns per month
  • A Bid Strategydelivered by a Senior Bid Manager with a minimum of 5 years of experience. It will also be managed by our Global Bid Director
  • Contact usto find out how we can help your business grow.

4 tips to help you win construction tenders

1.    Get your accreditations in order

Health & safety policies, equality & diversity policies, risk assessment assurances, specific construction qualifications…

The requirements for winning a construction tender can seem never-ending.

However, in answering the question ‘how to win construction tenders’ you need to take qualifications into consideration. Some of these qualifications can weigh heavily in the evaluation criteria. Without the right qualifications, your chances of winning the tender decrease drastically. So, really digest the tender documentation.

What are the minimum requirements? And following this, what qualifications do you think would benefit your bid? Before choosing your tender, really consider this. The closer your qualifications fit, the higher your chances of winning.

2.    Be realistic with your bid

Some people would say that competitiveness determines how you win construction tenders. Realistically, can you actually undercut the competition?

What can your company afford in the name of competitiveness? Consider this when you’re bidding. If you undersell yourself, you could be in deep water when it comes to fulfilling the contract.

In the worst-case scenario, if you fail to complete the contract, it could ruin your reputation as a business. So, practice caution!

3.    Be proactive with feedback!

For most, losing the bid can be crushing. However, you don’t have the time or resources to get caught up in failure!

Get as much information as you can out of the buyer’s feedback. If you’re working in the private industry, request it! Even if you didn’t pass the PQQ stage, it’s still super important to transform your experience into a learning opportunity.

4.    Bid Management

Effective bid management is crucial to winning construction tenders. If you fall short of the deadline in your submission, it’s game over. It doesn’t matter how amazing your bid is, it simply won’t be considered. So, keep your head above water with effective strategies such as internal deadlines and progress meetings.

In summary

So, to summarise, to win construction tenders, you should consider:

Where to source new construction tenders

We looked at our smart, time-saving solution for sourcing new construction contracts.

4 tips to win your construction tenders:

Get your accreditations in order- Really conveying your understanding of the buyer’s requirements. Making sure you can meet the qualifications before bidding.

Be realistic with your bid – Recognising how competitive your company can be. Avoiding underselling yourself and being unable to fulfil the contract.

Be proactive with feedback – Requesting a detailed summary of your performance. Using any feedback to support and improve your future bids.

Bid management – Understand the power by organising both yourself and your team in producing a prompt bid.

Need help writing your next tender?

If you don’t have the resources or time to write a winning bid, why not outsource it? Our sister company, Hudson Succeed, boasts an 87% success rate and has over 60 years of collective bidding experience. They offer four bid writing support packages to help you on the path to success. Whether you’re new to tendering, or simply need someone to proof your written response before you submit – we can help.

Tender Ready

Our Tender Ready programme is designed for those who have never tendered before. This 4-week programme works with you to ensure you have everything in place to tender successfully.

Tender Improvement

Tender Improvement can help if you’re already tendering but aren’t seeing success from your current efforts. Our Bid Writers will assess your previous submissions and supporting documents. They’ll give you feedback and guidance on how to improve, helping you to secure your next construction tender.

Tender Mentor

If you’ve written a tender and need someone to proofread it – Tender Mentor is for you. A Bid Writer will double-check it’s in line with the specification and free of any grammar or spelling mistakes.

Tender Writing

If you’ve found the perfect tender but don’t know where to start – we can help. Send the specification over to us and our Bid Team will do the rest. They’ll let you know what they need from you and provide you with a full breakdown. They’ll even submit it on your behalf, leaving you more time to focus on your business.

Get in touch to find out more information.

Want to save even more time?

Upgrading to Discover Elite will ensure you never miss a tendering opportunity even when you’re busy!

The Ultimate Time-Saving Tool offers your business:

  • An annual subscription to a maximum of two Discover portals of your choice.
  • Up to five bid breakdowns per month to help you make your bid or no-bid
  • Weekly phone calls with your Account Manager to discuss viable leads and tendering opportunities.
  • Award and pre-market engagement notices monitored on your behalf.
  • Public and private buyer portal management including registering, password management, downloading documents and assessing viability based on your bid strategy.

A Guide to New Construction Tenders

Posted on by John Hudson

How to win new construction tenders

Are you wondering how to find new construction tenders? There are plenty of opportunities out there, but how do you find them? When you do find a suitable opportunity for your business, how do you win the bid?

This guide will tell you how to find new construction contracts in the UK and offer tips for winning your next bid.

What type of construction tenders are there?

If you’re looking for new construction tenders, you might be wondering what type of contracts are out there.

Billions of pounds have been invested in the construction industry across the UK. This has increased the number of tendering opportunities out there. Especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more businesses are relying on tenders to grow their business.

Buyers may require a supplier for a number of reasons, including:

  • Supply of goods
  • Works
  • Utilities
  • Services

You can tender for contracts in various sub-sectors, including:

The process of bidding for new construction tenders

 To win construction tenders, you need to understand how to apply for them. The tendering process will seem complicated at first. However, it can be broken down into simple, easy to manage steps.

  1. PAS-91

The first step in bidding for new construction tenders is completing the PAS-91.

In 2010, the UK construction industry launched the ‘standard selection questionnaire’. This is an industry-specific, standardised document that is supposed to streamline the tendering process. Basically, it’s a specialised PQQ. The document is widely known as the Publicly Available Specification, or PAS 91.

The PAS-91 removes the need for various questionnaires. Instead, you can focus your time and resources on a single document.

However, the idea behind the PAS-91 is the same as a PQQ. The buyer uses this to shortlist suppliers, so only those capable of delivering the contract progress to the next stage.

  1. Invitation to tender

If you pass the PAS-91 stage, the next stage of bidding for new construction tenders is responding to the ITT.

The ITT, which stands for invitation to tender, is released by the buyer. Suppliers need to respond to the ITT, demonstrating why their company is the best to deliver the contract.

An ITT could include:

  • The form of a tender
  • Preliminaries (including pre-construction information and site waste management plan)
  • Contract or contract conditions
  • Employer’s information requirements
  • A tender pricing document
  • A drawing schedule
  • Design drawings
  • Specifications

  1. Submit your tender response

The final stage of bidding for new construction tenders is to submit your tender response.

Your tender response should include details of the following:

  • Methods
  • Your pricing
  • How you’ll meet the requirements
  • Supporting documents, such as case studies, policies and procedures

Win a new construction tender with these helpful tips:

  • Your company should be the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT)

To win a new construction tender, your company needs to be the Most Economically Advantageous Tender. Basically, this means that your company will provide the best quality services for the lowest price.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the cheapest price will win. It’s all about finding the supplier who offers the best value for money.

  • Carefully read the buyer’s specifications

When you find a new construction tender for your business, it’s important that you carefully read through the buyer’s specifications.

The buyer needs to see that your company is capable of delivering the contract. If you don’t read the specifications, you may miss key details that are important for the bid. You might miss crucial information from your tender response.

  • Give yourself enough time

New construction tenders will take up a lot of your time. So, to win your next bid, you need to give yourself enough time to produce your response.

This is particularly important for construction tenders. The buyer may ask you to provide a drawing schedule or even design drawings as part of your bid. The last thing you want is to submit an incomplete bid because you ran out of time. Giving yourself plenty of time ensures that you don’t rush through the tender.

  • Proofread your response

When faced with a long document, it can be easy to miss mistakes and errors. Especially if you produced the document yourself. That’s why it’s so important to proofread your response when bidding for new construction tenders.

A tender response full of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors won’t impress the buyer. In fact, you’ll probably lose marks. To make sure this doesn’t happen, you should ask someone else to proofread your response for you.

  • Ask for feedback

 So far, we’ve offered you tips for winning a new construction tender. What should you do if you’re unsuccessful?

If you don’t win the bid, ask the buyer for feedback. Understanding where you went wrong could be the key to winning your next bid. You know how to improve for your next tendering opportunity.

Where can you find new construction tenders?

Are you looking for new construction tenders? Use Construction Tenders to find your next opportunity.

Construction Tenders is one centralised, easy-to-navigate portal hosting public and private construction leads and tendering opportunities.

You don’t need to rely on CPV Codes. Our Opportunity Trackers manually search and upload tenders from thousands of websites, making it easier for you to find them. You can find the best tender for you by filtering the results by budget, keyword and location.

Here are previous construction tenders sourced on our portal:

Supply of Constructional Timber (Marine Grade)

Waterways Ireland (CA) – Republic of Ireland – Budget: £100k 

General Construction Multi Trade – Housing & Residential (20% VAT)

Homes for Haringey – London – Budget: £5million

Construction of 2 x 80m2 Mainstream Classrooms

St Patrick’s National School – Republic of Ireland – Budget: Undisclosed

Construction of a Cookery School Including All Ancillary Site Works & Services

 Fourth Nature Ltd – Republic of Ireland – Budget: Undisclosed

Household Waste Recycling Centre & Waste Transfer Station Middlemore Lane, Aldridge Construction & Fryers Road, Bloxwich Redevelopment

 Walsall Council e-Tendering – West Midlands – Budget: Undisclosed

A subscription to Construction Tenders will provide your business with:

  • Access to all unique, private and public sector opportunities within the construction industry.
  • An on-hand Account Manager to answer any questions you may have about competitive tendering in construction.
  • A daily email bulletin sent straight to your inbox when new construction tenders are uploaded that day.
  • Discounted support from Hudson Succeed, our bid writing division.
  • 20-minutes free bid management consultancy each month.

Get in touch today to book a free live demo.

Want to save even more time? Upgrade to Discover Elite

Upgrade to Discover Elite to optimise your tendering opportunities even when you’re busy. The Ultimate Time Saver and Become a Pre-Bid Master packages can improve your competitor awareness and bidding success rate. They can help save you even more time when searching for new construction tenders.

The Ultimate Time Saver package offers:

  • An annual subscription to a maximum of two Hudson Discover sector-specific portals. This option best suits a business that overlaps two industries such as Construction and Logistics.
  • A maximum of five tender breakdowns per month.
  • Weekly phone calls with your dedicated Account Manager to discuss viable tendering opportunities.
  • Pre-market and award engagement notices monitored on your behalf.
  • Buyer portal management including registration, password management, downloading documents and assessing viability based on your bid or no-bid

The Become a Pre-Bid Master package offers your business:

  • All of the above.
  • Up to seven tender breakdowns per month.
  • A Bid Strategy delivered by a Senior Bid Manager with a minimum of 5 years of experience. It will also be managed by our Global Bid Director.

Contact us to find out how we can help your business grow.

 

A Guide to Construction Tenders Online

Posted on by John Hudson

Opportunities for construction tenders online

There are thousands of opportunities for finding construction tenders online. However, it can be hard knowing where to start. We appreciate, all the information out there can be overwhelming. We put this guide together to help you understand construction tenders and the opportunities out there.

Construction tenders are essentially public contract opportunities. In construction, an invitation to tender (ITT) may be issued to procure:

  • Services
  • Goods
  • Works
  • Utilities.

When you’ve been searching for construction tenders online you’ve probably noticed how diverse the opportunities are. Tenders are often published for services including:

  • Roofing
  • Demolition
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Groundworks
  • Design and build
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Project management and many more.

What is the process of winning a construction tender?

The construction industry can be quite savvy when it comes to tendering. So, we’ve broken down the process to help you make sense of it.

The standard process is as follows:

  • PAS91 or PQQ

A PAS91 is essentially the construction sector’s answer to a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). This process is simply to shortlist the suppliers who qualify to deliver the contract. Be prepared to provide company details, compliance information and financial information.

  • Invitation to tender

Once you pass this initial stage, the buyer will usually release the invitation to tender. This allows you to respond to the tender and submit a final bid.

An invitation to tender may include:

  • The form of a tender
  • Preliminaries (including pre-construction information and site waste management plan)
  • Contract or contract conditions
  • Employer’s information requirements
  • A tender pricing document
  • A drawing schedule
  • Design drawings
  • Specifications.

  • Clarification

Clarification questions can be asked via the portal the tender will be submitted through.

You can remain anonymous when asking clarification questions, so your competitors don’t know it is you. Staying up to date with answers is important as it could change the way you respond to the bids. Remember to make a note of the clarification deadline as it could be weeks before the final submission date.  

  • Submission 

Once the bid is complete, it’s time to submit it. Your response will include methods, the price for supplying goods/services, and responses to how you meet the requirements. You will often also be required to submit supporting documents such as case studies, policies and procedures.

What to expect when bidding for construction contracts in the UK?

You’ve probably found hundreds of construction tenders online. This is because they are constantly being uploaded. Thanks to the billions of pounds invested in the construction industry across the UK. Recently, more businesses are turning towards tendering as a way of growing their business due to the impact of COVID-19.

Financial standing and health and safety procedures are some examples of what is to be expected in construction contracts.

What to look for in construction bid sites

We still have more information about construction tenders online. What should you be looking for to find the best construction bid site for your organisation? We’ve put together 7 things you should be checking for:

  1. The portal doesn’t rely on CPV codes

Common procurement vocabulary (CPV). An 8-digit code that allows buyers to classify what they are procuring. They are often used incorrectly, leading to extra time being wasted, wading through irrelevant tenders.

  1. The portal manually tracks construction contracts

At Construction Tenders, our opportunity trackers manually search thousands of sources each day. Instead of relying on CPV codes, they read and upload each tender manually, ensuring maximum relevance.

  1. The system focuses on your industry 

Most bid sites source tenders for all industries so there’s a chance you will see opportunities that aren’t irrelevant.  Construction Tenders is dedicated to the construction industry, therefore, cutting out irrelevant information.

  1. Allows for remote working in teams

Remote working has changed the way businesses operate in many ways. Especially since lockdown as most businesses have had to adapt to remote working. Our portal can be accessed anywhere anytime. 

  1. You’re supported by an account manager

You will have a dedicated account manager to offer support and guidance and answer any queries you may have.

  1. You have access to virtual learning

Our Tender VLE service is free and offers your business expert advice about tendering. We offer video masterclasses, fact sheets, blogs and templates to help with the tender process.

  1. You can outsource bid writing if needed

Some people struggle with writing. If you want to win a bid, you need a good writer to help you. We have developed Hudson Succeed, our bid writing division. This service helps our clients through the bidding process every step of the way. Our team are exceptional Bid Writers who assist businesses in multiple sectors to write compelling and technical narratives. Our bid writers are highly experienced with over 60 years of experience collectively and an 87% success rate. We have an extensive range of experience in the construction industry.

We source Construction Tenders on a daily basis from thousands of buyers, across the UK. Our goal is to save you both time and money manually searching for new construction leads. Our clients receive daily alerts when tenders are released. They also have 24hr access to our Construction Tenders portal.

Need help with construction tenders online?

Finding the right tender for your business can take a large amount of time out of your day. There are thousands of websites posting multi-sector opportunities and searching for leads can turn into a full-time job. Each one may have its own portal, log in or password. Luckily for you, we have a solution.

Construction Tenders is one centralised and easy-to-navigate portal hosting exclusive, public and private construction leads and tendering opportunities. Gone are the days of relying on inaccurate CPV Codes! Our Opportunity Trackers manually search and upload tenders from thousands of websites across the UK. You’re able to filter and search the results by budget, keyword, location and more, streamlining the process.

A subscription to Construction Tenders offers your business:

  • Access to all unique, private and public sector opportunities within the construction industry.
  • An on-hand Account Manager to answer any questions you may have about competitive tendering in construction.
  • A daily email bulletin sent straight to your inbox when new construction tenders are uploaded that day.
  • Discounted support from Hudson Succeed, our bid writing division.
  • 20-minutes free bid management consultancy each month.

Get in touch today to book a free live demo.

4 Key New Bills Relevant to Government Construction Tenders

Posted on by John Hudson

Government construction tender news

The Queen announced the government’s legislative agenda for 2021/22 and four bills that will impact government construction tenders. Almost 16% of UK construction spend is by the public sector.

The government have the current initiative of build back better in response to COVID-19 recovery. It sets out the significant investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation that levels up the UK. It is with the hope of transitioning towards net-zero ambitions.

Below are four key bills that are relevant to government construction contracts in the UK.

  1. Building Safety Bill

The Building Safety Bill will make considerable reforms to the UK’s building safety regime. It will establish a Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to deliver a new approach to regulating the built environment. The Building Safety Bill will be critical to any construction project and government construction tenders.

The BSR will have the power to withdraw materials of products from the UK market. They can withdraw those that they deem to fall short of set safety standards, regulating the market. There will also be three “gateways” introduced at higher risk buildings at least 18 meters or 6 storeys high.

The three gateways are the:

  • Design Stage – prior to granted planning permission, the BSR will consult stakeholders to assess various design matters. These could be fire safety and water supply for example.
  • Construction Stage – The client will submit evidence to the BSR showing all building regulations relating to construction have been complied with.
  • Management Stage – the client will submit as built building information to the BSR. This information will include emergency safety and fire files and updated plans.

  1. Environment Bill

The Environment Bill will obviously put the environment at the centre of the policy. The government has made considerable promises towards greener and more sustainable construction practices that are evident within government construction tenders.

The Environment Bill will introduce a framework for legally binding environmental targets, establishing a new independent Office for Environmental Protection. This further reinstates the current mandatory weighting on social value within government construction tenders. This minimum 10% social value weighting assesses the environmental, social and economic aspects of a tender.

The Bill will focus on reducing waste and revolutionise how we recycle, enhancing local powers to tackle environmental issues. These include pollution, securing water supplies and protecting nature to improve biodiversity.

  1. Planning Bill

The Planning Bill will create a faster, simpler and more modern planning system. It’s to replace the current one, Section 106, that dates back to 1947. Instead, the Infrastructure Levy will be introduced. The plan is to deliver vital infrastructure whilst at the same time protect the nearby environment. This is likely to affect planning tenders and government construction tenders.

There will be an introduction of simpler and quicker frameworks. This will be for funding infrastructure that assesses environmental impacts and opportunities. A traffic light system will be introduced with the UK divided up by local councils. Areas will be designated for either:

  • Growth
  • Protection
  • Renewal

  1. Procurement Bill

The Procurement Bill is probably the most relevant to government construction tenders. It will simplify procurement within the public sector, reforming the current regime. This will make public procurement even more accessible for SMEs, charitable and social enterprises. It hopes to encourage a more competitive and level playing field, allowing them to win public contracts.

The Queen outlines the government’s plans to replace the seven current procurement procedures with three:

  • Competitive Flexible Procedure
  • Open Procedure
  • Negotiated Procedure to be renamed as the Limited Tendering Procedure.

These new procedures will come into place in September 2021, hoping to improve transparency within public procurement.

Need assistance when writing your next government construction tenders?

It’s understandable that you may not always have the resources, time or experience to write a winning response in-house. Outsourcing to bid writing experts can help you win your next tender, securing a pipeline of work for your business.

Our sister company, Hudson Succeed, have over 60 years of bid writing experience and an 87% success rate. They offer four bid writing support services that can help you win more government construction contracts. Whether you’ve never tendered before or need your response proofread before you submit – we can help.

Tender Ready

Our Tender Ready programme is perfect for those who have never tendered before. A Bid Writer will work with you to make sure you have everything you need in place to tender successfully. The 4-week programme offers your business:

  • A 12-month subscription to Construction Tenders
  • Access to Global Bid Directors and Senior Bidding professionals
  • An organisation-wide Bid Library, including 3 case studies, 5 CV’s and 8 policies
  • Additional flexible benefit options.

Tender Improvement

If you’ve been tendering but aren’t seeing the results you want, our Tender Improvement package can help. The Bid Team will assess your previous responses and tender documents, working with you to improve for future submissions. This package includes a 12-month subscription to Construction Tenders and additional tendering development services.

Tender Writing

Once you’ve found the perfect construction tender for your business, why not send it over to us? Our Bid Writers can take care of it all for you. They’ll let you know what they need from you, providing you with a full Tender Writing breakdown. They’ll even submit it on your behalf.

Tender Mentor

If you’ve written your own tender response and need someone to double-check it for errors, Tender Mentor can help. Our Bid Team will proofread your work for any inconsistencies, grammar or spelling mistakes. They’ll also ensure that it’s in line with the specification before you submit.

Where can I find government construction tenders?

Finding the right construction tender for your business can take a large amount of time out of your day. Keeping track and checking daily can turn into a full-time job. Luckily for you, we have a solution.

Construction Tenders is one centralised and easy-to-navigate portal hosting exclusive, public and private construction leads and tendering opportunities. Gone are the days of relying on inaccurate CPV Codes! Our Opportunity Trackers manually search and upload tenders from thousands of websites across the UK. You’re able to filter and search the results by budget, keyword, location and more, streamlining the process.

Below are previous government construction tenders sourced on our portal:

Lift Maintenance, Services & Repairs ITT

St Albans City & District Council- Scotland- Budget: Undisclosed

Scunthorpe, Burringham Road, Manor Park

North Lincolnshire Council- East Midlands- Budget: Undisclosed

Fixed Electrical Wiring Test and Inspection – Port of Ramsgate and The Royal Harbour

Thanet District Council- South East- Budget: £46,000

Quick Quote – New Flooring to the Victoria Pier, Sea Terminal Building

Isle of Man Government- International- Budget: Undisclosed

Contract for Supply & Installation of New Play Equipment for Parrys Park / Grosvenor Heights

City & County of Swansea- Wales- Budget: Undisclosed

A subscription to Construction Tenders offers your business:

  • Access to all unique, private and public sector opportunities within the construction industry.
  • An on-hand Account Manager to answer any questions you may have about government construction tenders.
  • A daily email bulletin sent straight to your inbox when new construction tenders are uploaded that day.
  • Discounted support from Hudson Succeed, our bid writing division.
  • 20-minutes for free consultancy with one of our Bid Writers each month.

We also source opportunities for services including;

Get in touch to find out how we can help your business grow.

Upgrade to Discover Elite

Upgrading to Discover Elite can save you even more time, helping you identify tendering opportunities even when you’re busy. Our two time-saving tools can improve your competitor awareness and bidding success rate. Each package can help save you even more time when searching for government construction tenders.

The Ultimate Time Saver package includes:

  • An annual subscription to a maximum of two Hudson Discover sector-specific portals. This option best suits a business that overlaps two industries such as Construction and Logistics for example.
  • A maximum of five tender breakdowns per month.
  • Pre-market and award engagement notices monitored on your behalf.
  • Buyer portal management including registration, password management, downloading documents and assessing viability based on your bid or no-bid strategy.
  • Weekly phone calls with your on-hand Account Manager to discuss viable construction tendering opportunities.

The Become a Pre-Bid Master package includes:

  • All of the above.
  • Up to seven tender breakdowns per month.
  • A Bid Strategy delivered by a Senior Bid Manager with a minimum of 5 years of experience. It will also be managed by our Global Bid Director.

Contact us to find out how we can help your business.