Bid writing experts to host FREE workshops for East Yorkshire-based businesses

Expert advice on how local businesses can write successful bids for work is on offer at two forthcoming workshops organised by Invest East Yorkshire and led by a team of highly regarded bid-writing specialists. 

Kate Skillman and Nigel Denison of Gimlet Associates, who have spent the last 16 years working together to help businesses of all sizes navigate and win competitive tenders, will give those taking part in the workshops an insight into the bidding process, equipping them with the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed. 

Kate explained: “We understand that for small and medium-sized businesses the bid process can feel overwhelming. Through our workshops, we guide them through the essential steps, from bid preparation and selection to question analysis and deconstruction. Participants often find this last section especially valuable as it provides a useful strategy to make response writing easier, improve response content and score higher marks. 

“We aim to demystify the bid process and show businesses that, with proper preparation and a strategic approach, they can compete for tenders and stand a much better chance of winning the contracts. We’ve had the pleasure of seeing several businesses we’ve worked with go on to win important contracts after attending our workshops.” 

Nigel added: “Our workshops offer new perspectives and practical solutions for businesses that haven’t enjoyed the success that they desire. We equip them with the tools to decide whether a tender is right for their business, and how to efficiently allocate their resources. Ultimately, our workshops empower small businesses to produce high-quality bids, without the need for a specialised team.” 

Those who have taken part in the workshops run by Kate and Nigel previously have given them a resounding thumbs-up.  

Vicki Hone of Hornsea Nursery said: “I would highly recommend this to anyone dipping their toe into the world of tendering. I will now look at the tender portals recommended on the course to identify opportunities to apply for funding.” 

Holly Ansell of Brough-based StudentPad Ltd agreed, adding: “I’ll certainly go back to the current tender I’m doing and review/improve it with the new information I’ve learned today.” 

The first workshop, entitled Winning More Work Through Tenders, will take place on 10 October, from 9.30am to 12 noon at RaisE Business Centre on Tom Pudding Way in Goole. This will be followed by a Practical Bid Writing Skills workshop on 12 November, from 10am to 11.15am, which will take place online. 

To book your place or for more information about these and other FREE workshops hosted by Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team, visit: investeastyorkshire.co.uk/events/

Part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team offers a comprehensive package of support to businesses, from events and workshops to one-to-one advice and help identifying sources of funding. It also manages The Supply Chain Network Supplier Directory, which was created for businesses to showcase their products and services, and a Resource Portal, where businesses can find a wide range of free information, tools and templates. The team is also able to signpost businesses to other support providers and draw upon the expertise of colleagues in other departments across the council, such as planning, licensing and environmental health. 

Businesses are welcome to contact the team by emailing business.support@eastriding.gov.uk or telephoning 01482 391622 to find out more about the range of free events and other forms of support on offer.