10 Bid and Tender Trends for 2023
As we start 2023, concerns around safeguarding, supply chains and business continuity will continue as we feel the ongoing impact of Brexit, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine. Such national and international crises have led to severe economic turmoil, specifically in terms of heightening interest rates and (more notably) the cost-of-living crisis. In times of such uncertainty, how exactly will buyers procure products, services and solutions in 2023?
Read on to learn the trends that will continue to influence buyers’ procurement decisions, ultimately impacting bidding and tendering in
2023.
For more information on how I can support your Bids & Proposals, please feel free to get in touch.
1. The Procurement Bill 2022-23
A law that will come into force in the summer of 2023, the Procurement Bill 2022-23 will simplify the procurement process, utilising the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT). This means contracting authorities will be able to increase bid weighting more in favour of quality than price, due to factors such as social value. Do note that this Bill is unlikely to apply to the NHS and will not apply in Scotland.
2. Value for Money
Primarily due to the current economic climate and the cost-of-living crisis (especially as the energy cap is lifted come April), buyers are looking for bids that demonstrate the most cost-effective delivery through (for example) offering savings or providing efficiencies. It’s recommended that you take your ideas to clients or to the market ahead of official tender processes commencing.
3. Increased Clarity and Transparency
It is expected that buyers will issue tenders with clearer instructions (and evaluation criteria) than ever as they look for bidders to continuously improve and efficiently deliver services. The aim is not only to improve tender quality but also speed up the decision-making process, with awards made more quickly.
4. Business Resilience
As the economic recession is predicted to last throughout 2023, there will be many businesses that go into administration. As a result, buyers will be scrutinising bidders’ finances and resiliency measures much more meticulously.
5. Technology
Following the pandemic, working remotely is now commonplace for most employees. This has led to technological improvements (such as using apps to place orders and tracking operatives on site) showing tangible benefits for businesses. From a bidding perspective, these benefits can be passed on to prospective buyers in the form of service delivery efficiencies and transparency through real-time access.
6. Cybersecurity
In this ever-evolving digital world, businesses are becoming more prone to cyberattacks. Buyers are looking for more reassurances around their sensitive information. Bidders should look have data security certifications in the form of Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus or (ideally) ISO 27001 Information Security Management to highlight their ability to protect their sensitive data.
7. Sustainability
As the Net Zero Strategy continues, evaluators will be looking for more robust carbon reduction plans that feature target achievement milestones.
8. Skills and Labour Shortages
The House of Commons have announced skills and labour shortages in January 2023 as a result of the pandemic and the impact of Brexit. This means bidders will have to provide assurances on how new contracts will be resourced, specifically in terms of innovations around recruitment.
9. B Corp
The B Corp certification verifies an organisation’s ability to meet high standards of social and environmental performance. Bidders with this certification essentially are evidencing their commitment to people and the planet as well as profit. Bidders with B Corp will be well-placed to win work in 2023, especially within public sector procurement opportunities.
10. Bid Consultancy
Businesses are starting to see the benefits of external specialist bid assistance, whether that takes the form of bid writing, bid management or support with their strategy and processes. This also includes looking for individuals who have the right qualifications such as APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals).
I am an experienced APMP-qualified Bid Manager, ready to support your organisation’s 2023 goals
Whether you have limited bid resources or are a multinational corporation seeking additional bid support, my ten years’ bid management experience will enable me to adapt to your organisation to assist with your tenders. To discover how I can add value to your organisation’s bid and tender processes, feel free to contact me via email at hello@steverileybcw.co.uk or give me a call on +44 (0) 7932 818 125.