Why invest in tender writing training?
Tender writing is a skill that improves with practice and training. Businesses that invest in developing their bid writing capability consistently win more contracts and achieve better value from the time they invest in tendering. Whether you are a first-time bidder or a seasoned bid writer looking to formalise your skills, there are options to suit every budget and experience level.
Free resources for beginners
If you are new to tendering, start with the free resources before investing in paid training:
- GOV.UK guidance: The government publishes free guidance on tendering for public sector contracts, including how to use Find a Tender and how the evaluation process works.
- Crown Commercial Service webinars: CCS runs free webinars for suppliers on topics including how to respond to tenders, social value, and using procurement frameworks.
- Contracts Finder supplier guides: Step-by-step guidance on registering as a supplier and finding below-threshold opportunities.
- APMP Knowledge Library: The Association of Bid and Proposal Management publishes free articles and guides on bid strategy, win themes, and proposal writing.
Short courses (1 to 2 days)
Short courses are ideal for business owners and managers who write occasional tenders and want a structured introduction to best practice:
- Tenders Direct training courses: Tenders Direct offer a range of one-day and half-day courses covering tender writing, bid strategy, and social value. Available online and in-person.
- PASS (Procurement Advice and Support Service): Funded support and training for SMEs in various regions. Check whether your local Growth Hub or PASS provider offers subsidised tender training.
- Local Growth Hubs: Many regional Growth Hubs offer free or subsidised tendering workshops for local businesses. Check your LEP or Growth Hub website for current programmes.
APMP Foundation certificate
The Association of Bid and Proposal Management (APMP) Foundation certificate is the most widely recognised qualification for bid professionals. It covers the full bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification to contract negotiation, and is assessed by a written examination.
The APMP Foundation is suited to those working in bid writing roles or moving into bid management. It typically takes 3 to 6 months of study alongside work. Training providers in the UK offering APMP-accredited courses include:
- Shipley Associates
- Bid Solutions
- Executive Compass
- Hays Bid Management
APMP Practitioner and Professional
Beyond Foundation, APMP offers Practitioner (intermediate) and Professional (expert) levels. The Practitioner requires a written submission demonstrating real-world application of bid management principles. The Professional is the highest level and requires peer review and a significant portfolio of evidence. These are relevant for senior bid managers and consultants building a long-term career in the field.
Specialist sector training
Some training providers offer sector-specific tender writing courses, for example:
- Social value and public sector frameworks
- NHS procurement and health sector bidding
- Construction contracts and NEC3/NEC4 contract forms
- Technology and digital services tendering
These can be valuable if most of your tendering is concentrated in one sector.
Is tender training tax deductible?
In most cases, yes. Training costs directly related to your existing business activities are deductible for UK income tax and corporation tax purposes. Check with your accountant for your specific circumstances.
Find tenders to practise on
The best way to improve your tender writing is to keep writing. TenderSignal monitors UK public sector feeds and sends email alerts for relevant contract opportunities so you always have a pipeline of tenders to assess and bid for. Sign up free to start receiving alerts in your sector.