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 topic
No formal qualification is required. The most recognised certification is the APMP (Association of Bid and Proposal Management) Foundation, which demonstrates competence to employers and clients. Many successful bid writers are self-taught.
Free resources are available from GOV.UK and Crown Commercial Service. Short one-day courses typically cost between £200 and £600. The APMP Foundation programme costs around £800 to £1,500 including training and exam fees.
In some regions, Growth Hubs and PASS (Procurement Advice and Support Service) providers offer subsidised or funded tender writing training for SMEs. Check with your local Growth Hub or LEP for available programmes.
Most candidates spend 3 to 6 months studying for the APMP Foundation alongside their day job. The exam is a 2-hour written paper covering the full bid lifecycle.
For self-study and foundational knowledge, online resources are very effective. In-person workshops have the advantage of peer feedback on practice bids and direct access to experienced trainers. The best approach depends on your learning style.
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.