Procurement guides and insights
Practical advice on winning UK public sector contracts, from finding opportunities to writing winning bids.
IR35 and Public Sector Contracts: What UK Contractors Need to Know
IR35 has applied to all public sector engagements since April 2017. Understanding how it affects your commercial structure, how to identify the right types of public sector contracts, and how to respond to DSP and G-Cloud framework tenders is essential for IT contractors and consultants working in government.
12 August 2026 · 1 min readTUPE in Public Sector Contracts: A Practical Guide for Suppliers
TUPE applies to a wide range of public sector contracts. Getting the cost model wrong at bid stage is one of the most damaging mistakes a supplier can make. Knowing what information buyers must disclose and how to ask the right clarification questions gives you a significant advantage.
12 August 2026 · 1 min readMinimum Turnover Requirements in Public Sector Tenders: What SMEs Need to Know
Minimum turnover requirements are one of the most common barriers SMEs face in public sector bidding. Understanding when they are legally justified under the Procurement Act 2023, and how to respond when you are close to the threshold, can open up contracts that competitors dismiss as out of reach.
12 August 2026 · 1 min readSocial Value in Public Sector Tenders: What UK Suppliers Need to Know
Social value has moved from a nice-to-have to a scored requirement across most UK public sector procurement. Understanding the five PPN 06/20 themes and how to translate your genuine local advantages into specific, measurable commitments is how SMEs win on social value against larger competitors.
12 August 2026 · 1 min readHow to Set Up Contracts Finder Alerts (And Why You Might Need More)
Contracts Finder alerts are free and easy to set up, but they only cover part of the UK procurement market. This guide walks you through the setup process and explains how to fill the gaps.
12 August 2026 · 1 min readHow to Get on a Crown Commercial Service Framework (Step-by-Step Guide)
A Crown Commercial Service framework agreement gives you access to thousands of UK public sector buyers without competing for each contract individually. This guide explains how to find relevant frameworks, what the application involves, and how to maximise call-off volumes once you are listed.
12 August 2026 · 1 min readHow to Win Public Sector Contracts: A Strategy Guide for UK SMEs
Most SMEs that lose public sector bids lose on process, not capability. Here is the strategy behind winning public contracts, from choosing what to bid for to learning from every result.
12 August 2026 · 1 min readBest Tender Alert Services for UK SMEs (2025 Comparison)
Comparing the best tender alert services for UK SMEs in 2025. We cover free government portals, TenderSignal, Tracker Intelligence, Proactis, and BiP Solutions -- with an honest assessment of who each suits.
11 August 2026 · 1 min readProcurement Act 2023: A Summary for UK Suppliers
The Procurement Act 2023 came into force on 24 February 2025, replacing the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here is a summary of what changed for suppliers and what to do now.
11 August 2026 · 1 min read
Procurement Act 2023: One Year In, What Actually Changed for Suppliers
It has been a year since the Procurement Act 2023 went live. Here is what changed in practice, what did not, and the moves UK suppliers should make now.
9 June 2026 · 1 min read
How NHS Procurement Works: A Supplier's Guide to £30bn of Annual Contracts
NHS England spends £30bn-plus a year on goods and services. Here is how its procurement actually works, who buys what, and how to position your business to win NHS contracts.
9 June 2026 · 1 min read
How to Find UK Council Contracts: A Supplier's Guide to Local Authority Tendering
UK councils spend £80bn-plus a year buying from suppliers. Here is where they publish their contracts, how to find them, and which councils have the most opportunities for SMEs.
9 June 2026 · 1 min read
What is a Mini-Competition? Framework Agreement Bidding Explained
A mini-competition is a second tender within a framework agreement. Here is how mini-competitions work, why they exist, and how to win them.
9 June 2026 · 1 min read
Bid Writers in the UK: What They Do, What They Cost and When to Hire One
A bid writer prepares tender submissions for you, typically at day rates of around £350 to £800. Here is what they do, what they cost, when they are worth it, and what to ask before you hire.
9 June 2026 · 1 min read
5 Mistakes Bidding for Government Contracts
Avoid these frequent pitfalls that cost SMEs time and money when tendering for public sector work.
19 April 2026 · 1 min read
Contracts Finder vs Find a Tender
Both are UK government procurement portals, but they serve different purposes. Here's when to use each one.
19 April 2026 · 1 min read