Need site that gives advice on preparing tenders

I assume there is many different types depending on the industry.

Dunno whether these ideas will work - but this is what I'd be doing if it was me ....

I'd look for a few similar contract in another area of the country ... then I'd ring up the government customers placing them. I'd ask questions about the specs they used, what kinds of evidence as to suitability they wanted their potential suppliers to put before them and so on. Because they're public sector and because you're a small business, they'll probably be very helpful.

I'd also talk to small companies (those way out of your area) who've been successful in landing business of the type that interests you. Again, I think you'll find them very helpful ... particularly if you're quick to offer reciprocal help (eg information about sector relevant developments, etc).

After you've done this research, I suggest reading extremely carefully any background information the customer offers potential suppliers plus any reports in the press relating to the contract. Government purchasers usually provide more than enough information about their requirements; what's hard is getting your "pitch" right.

Good luck! I hope you'll let us know how you get on. Linda

If its low value stuff, then the UK Gov has a tenders portal:

Tender Opportunity Portal

Business Link has some blurb about tendering, mainly propaganda but may point you in the right direction.

Transparency in procurement and contracting | Business Link

As Linda says, let us know how you get on. Having tried and failed to get commitment and successfully navigate local council bureaucracy, I wish you all the best.

I based my own tender on a business plan format, but never got any feedback on how it went. I think lots of patience seems to be the key requirement

Another question to keep bothering people:

The awarding authority has told me that they accept submissions in electronic format, like on PDF. However, is it worth the bother to print a nice document with the fancy comb binding and transparent covers as well as gimmicks like tabs etc? that will have a presence (sitting on the desk of the person who decides). Is it still easier to browse through documents in printed format than in pdf files? Is it easier to forget a document stored in your PC?

Or just do both? the pdf one will have links to my website, etc

ONE BIG QUESTION: Is it customary for the people looking at the tenders to contact the companies and ask for questions or do they judge on what is on the tender only? if they do not find what they are looking for in your tender, bad luck for you.

Thanks

It will depend on your intended audience, type of audience and the value of the tender to you.

Nothing wrong with pulling out all the stops and making a good impression, as long any potential reward is worth the monetary risk.

Personally, I think for local goverment, you tend to find people are older, a bit more old fashioned, and more likely to be more impressed with hard copy. But anyone else would have a PDF copy for ease of reading, and following links like you say.

If you get to the next stage, then you can print them out and take your nice binders with you to dish out.

Hmm no idea on your second question, never got any feedback