Tendering and procurement

Introduction

The public sector (e.g. councils and governments), and some larger private sector businesses, have a requirement to purchase goods and services from private business.  The process for businesses to bid in order to win their business is referred to as tendering or procurement.

Further Information

Public Sector Procurement

Businesses may bid to provide goods or services to public sector organisations either through a direct contract or as a sub-contractor.  The public sector marketplace is vast and includes; National Health Services, schools, universities, Local and Regional Government, Central Government, housing associations, emergency services and more.

Benefits of public sector customers are that they’ll decide which supplier to use through an open and fair process, usually pay promptly and are longstanding.

Ways to find out about opportunities to sell your goods or services to the public sector include;

• Online portals
• Your local council – find out how to become an approved supplier
• Newspaper and trade magazine advertisements

Private Sector Procurement

Ways to find out about opportunities to sell your goods or services to private sector companies include:

• Networking with other businesses
• Advertisements in newspapers and trade magazines
• Building contacts with potential customers

Tendering is a very competitive process and businesses should address all of the buyer’s specific requirements within any bid they submit.  It is crucial that businesses only bid for contracts they are confident they can deliver efficiently.

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