Why try harder? – The importance of social value when bidding
Social value is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’. With the introduction of the Procurement Act, it’s become a formal and, often crucial, part of public sector tendering. A minimum of 10% of the total score must now be assigned to social value in tenders. And, depending on the contract you are bidding on, the weighting can […]
Why you shouldn’t use AI to write tender bids…
AI (artificial intelligence) is hard to ignore. It is being introduced into most applications, software and even in smart technology that we use in the home every day. It is also being used by many workplaces to streamline operations and increase productivity. Unsurprisingly, we are seeing some organisations use AI programs and websites, such as […]
What does the abolition of NHS England mean for NHS procurement?
On March 13, 2025, the Government announced the abolition of NHS England. The Government says this move is being made to streamline healthcare management by integrating NHS England’s functions directly into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and it ‘will reduce bureaucracy, make savings and empower NHS staff to deliver better care for […]
The Procurement Act 2023: What does it mean for you?
In our last blog, we wrote about changes that were coming into force around procurement in 2025. The most notable change – the introduction of The Procurement Act 2023 – came into effect this week, on Monday 24th February 2025. This new piece of legislation marks a significant transformation in the UK’s public procurement landscape, […]
NHS tenders: What rule changes are coming into force in 2025?
This year, the NHS is making wholesale changes to the way businesses can procure tenders. The Procurement Act 2023, is set to come into force at the end of February and with it comes changes that aim to make the process more streamlined; enhancing transparency and making for a more level (and competitive) playing field. […]
How to deal with tender overwhelm
If you’re new to the tendering process or you’re yet to be successful in a bid, it can be a daunting process. There are a number of different factors to consider, from the cost of delivery to the time frame of the project, and it can be tough to know where to start. Sometimes the […]
Are you able to demonstrate your Carbon Reduction Plans in a tender bid?
From April 2024, it will be compulsory to demonstrate Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs) in any NHS tender bid submissions. This is because the NHS has announced a goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 and this will also include emissions generated by goods and services purchased through its suppliers. Since April 2023, for all […]
How to win GP contracts and funding
If you are a surgery or general practice looking to win substantial contracts or funding, it can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you are an already over-worked GP or Practice Manager struggling for time. What types of GP contracts can you bid for? APMS (Alternative Provider Medical Services) contracts are regularly put out to […]
How will the Procurement Act 2023 affect NHS and other public sector tenders?
The Procurement Bill received Royal Assent on 26th October and is now known as the Procurement Act 2023 and is likely to come into force in 2024. But what exactly is it? And what does it mean for NHS and public sector contract tenders? What is the Procurement Act? The new Procurement Act aims to […]
Tips for creating a successful tender bid
Business growth may feature heavily in your plans for 2024 and bidding for tenders is an ideal way to achieve those goals. But, how can you ensure your tender bid stands out over your competitors? Here are our top tender tips: Finding and developing your contract strategy is a great way to home in on […]