For the first in our series of “Where to start” blogs, we explore where to start when you want to find tender opportunities.
Finding tenders that are suitable for your business can be a challenge, as navigating the many different portals and websites can feel overwhelming. At Tender Victory, we understand these difficulties and are committed to supporting businesses in identifying relevant opportunities in the easiest and most efficient ways possible.
Ways to Find the Right Tenders for Your Business
When searching for tenders that align with your business’s services and capabilities, several methods can be used to streamline the process. Below are some of the most effective ways to find suitable tenders:
- Free-to-Access Tender and Contracts Databases
The UK Government provides a free-to-use platform called Find a Tender, where public sector contracts are advertised. This platform is a key resource for businesses looking for government tenders and now hosts the Central Digital Platform, which allows bidders to register their standard company information once, saving time on future bids. This is a valuable feature introduced as part of the recent procurement reforms.
In addition to advertising via Find a Tender, public sector buyers also publish their tender opportunities and tender packs on procurement portals. Such portals may be hosted on differing platforms (e.g. Proactis, Procontract, Jagger, EU Supply, Intend), however they all enable you to create a registration and save your company information and search profile. These saved search profiles then alert you to potentially suitable opportunities when they are published.
- Paid Subscription Services
There are various paid tender alert services that consolidate opportunities from multiple sources and provide tailored notifications based on your business’s sector, location, and preferences. These services aim to save you time by filtering out irrelevant opportunities, ensuring you only receive alerts for tenders that match your criteria. They must be carefully set up and closely managed to get best value from them.
- TED (Tenders Electronic Daily)
If your business is interested in securing larger contracts within the European Union, TED is the official online database for higher-value procurement opportunities. This platform provides details of tenders from all EU member states, offering UK businesses a chance to expand their operations internationally.
- Local Authority and Public Sector Websites
Local councils, NHS trusts, universities, and other public sector organisations often advertise procurement opportunities on their own websites. If your business is focused on working within a specific region or locality, regularly checking these sources can be beneficial. It’s also worth investigating if your local authority supports any B2B trading schemes that list lower value tender and contract opportunities, as many do!
How to Stay Updated on New Tender Opportunities
To ensure your business does not miss valuable opportunities, it is crucial to set up alerts and stay informed. Here are some tips:
- Sign Up for Email Alerts – Many tender portals offer free email notification services that send relevant opportunities directly to your inbox. Make sure you sign up for market engagement opportunities as well as live tenders.
- Use our eSourcing Directory – it’s a comprehensive resource that lists free-to-register tender portals, websites, and organisations that advertise tender opportunities. Organised by 14 geographic regions, including London, this directory is updated quarterly to ensure businesses have access to the most up-to-date information.
- Follow Industry News – Keeping an eye on industry publications, newsletters, and trade associations can provide insights into upcoming tenders and procurement trends.
How Tender Victory Can Help
Finding and bidding for tenders can be a time-consuming process, but our experts at Tender Victory are here to assist. We can help you:
- Identify suitable tender opportunities based on your business’s expertise and goals
- Register on the appropriate platforms and set up alerts
- Navigate the complexities of the bidding process
- Develop strong, competitive tender responses
If you need guidance on registering for tender opportunities or maximising your success rate with public sector bids, contact us today. Our team is dedicated to supporting small businesses in securing valuable contracts that drive growth and success.
For more detailed insights on how to find tenders, including step-by-step instructions on setting up alerts, check out our blog: ‘How to Find Tenders’.