The chancellor’s 2015 Budget brought with it a host of interesting announcements for both businesses and voters. However, it offered very little for Registered Providers (RPs) and the firms supplying them with no mention of additional state investment to improve the nation’s social housing stock.
In this climate then, when investing in their properties, budget-conscious RPs need to be more confident than ever that they have found the best suppliers and contractors for their needs who offer quality materials and labour, as well as value for money. With this delicate balance to strike, the process can be a challenge.
However, the tender process is just as much of a headache for bidders, particularly for small firms and sole traders. Many simply do not have the time – or the specialist bid writing team – to work on a winning bid while simultaneously developing their business. This can mean that well skilled firms are missing out on lucrative work in their local area due to resource, which has an impact on potential job opportunities in their community.
So how can we make the procurement process easier for bidders and improve access for all sized firms?
To help, we have come up with five top tips to help point buyers in the right direction:
• Find ways of enabling firms of different sizes to be competitive alongside larger organisations by separating the work into lots, such as materials and labour
• Create opportunities, when there are actual opportunities instead of speculative events for possible future opportunities, to meet with small firms through Bidders’ Days and similar events in the local area
• Plan procurements as thoroughly as possible to make sure tender documents are clear and concise. This will ensure all bidders understand exactly what work is required and have a fair expectation when applying
• Remember that many bidders are completing tenders around other work without a dedicated bid team, so make their lives easier by responding promptly to queries and by using a tailored contract to save them time reviewing irrelevant clauses
• Be realistic and transparent when it comes to projected demand to avoid disappointing the bidder further down the line
The procurement process is always going to be a challenge for both buyers and the firms bidding. By understanding and catering for the needs of potential bidders, RPs can engage a broader range of supplier and increase the likelihood of a successful tender as well as ensuring a happier outcome for all parties.
Clare Tetlow is from Re:allies
