Bid Buzz - Vol 01 - Issue 02 | January 2019
IN THIS ISSUE:
How to diagnose reasons for bid underperformance
Why you should be using infographics in your bid submissions
Would you benefit from a ‘critical friend’?
Get set for rail infrastructure opportunities
Save The Date - Friday 7th June - Bid Buzz Knowledge Day
How to diagnose reasons for bid underperformance
Are you regularly competing for contracts but coming up short? Some firms find that no matter how many bids they submit, they cannot seem to secure a contract.

It’s important to thoroughly understand the bid process and identify the likely reason you are losing. We work with many companies who have struggled to win contracts in the past. By following a thorough diagnostic process, we help them get on the right track and start winning.

We’ve compiled a list of investigative questions. Bid managers and bid teams can use this as a starting point to help identify where they might be going wrong. Showing comprehension, precision, relevance, evidence, experience, value, compliance and innovation are all key factors in bid success. Not to mention eliminating basic administrative errors. Diagnose now.
Why you should be using infographics in your bid submissions
Infographics are visual representations of information and data. They help deconstruct and convey content that could otherwise be difficult to digest. As such, they are an essential tool for any bid writer. 

Most people tend to remember what they saw more than what they read. An infographic can help you tell a story, allowing the reader to see the evolution of a process or complex idea. It saves them reading forward or looking backwards for previous steps. A well placed ‘visual’ may be able to fulfil a requirement where words fail.

Infographics can portray a wealth of information, removing the need for several paragraphs of explanatory text in your bid submissions. This frees up space in your bid and is especially important when you are limited by page count. Read more.
Would you benefit from a ‘critical friend’?
A ‘critical friend’ is a trusted confidant committed to helping you improve. They can be encouraging and supportive but can also provide honest and candid feedback. 

In all walks of life, across all business environments and especially in bid submissions, a ‘fresh pair of eyes’ can spot things that may have been overlooked, or where approaches need to be challenged.
Propeller’s review service provides the opportunity for an experienced third party to evaluate your work in sufficient time for improvements to be made. Our knowledgeable and experienced bid writers can act as your ‘critical friend’ giving you detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. We ensure that you have answered the questions being asked, provided credible evidence of your abilities and presented the information in a style that is engaging to the evaluator. Your bids will score better marks as a result. Find out more
Get set for rail infrastructure opportunities
Towards the back end of last year, the regulator ORR (Office of Rail and Road) published its final determination of what Network Rail should deliver over the next five years in its role of operating, maintaining and renewing its network in Control Period 6 (CP6).

CP6 will run from 2019-2024. It will see £35bn spent on making Britain’s railway “more reliable and focused on passengers’ needs”. Renewal works will increase by 17% and with passenger journeys at an all-time high - 1.7bn journeys were made in 2017/18 – now is the time for rail sector suppliers to get set for the resulting tender opportunities. In this highly competitive sector, standing out from the crowd will be crucial.


Read our latest rail case studies covering:

 
Save The Date - Friday 7th June - Bid Buzz Knowledge Day
We’re just finalising the agenda for our learning, knowledge sharing and networking day. Tickets will be available from next month and places will be limited. So please save the date now and await your personal invitation.

Date: Friday 7th June 2019
Time: 10am – 3pm
Venue: Airside Suite, IWM Duxford   

This seminar style event will be an opportunity to update your bid writing skills and get the latest insights from bid experts. Attendees will benefit from:

  • Current trends and industry insights
  • New bid writing tools and presentation tips
  • Latest strategies for improving your tender success rate
  • Case study examples of good bid practice
  • Government / regulatory updates and forecasts
Cloud-Based Bid, Proposal & Tender Writing Software
Business Management Software For The Construction Industry
Qualified & Experienced Support To Help You Win More Contracts
Contact Propeller | 01462 440077 | stuart@propeller-studios.co.uk