The world of tenders and tender procurement has always been a highly competitive one. Given that the vast majority of public sector contracts come for the Government or Local Authorities, it is expected that competition will ensure that the best company, with the best value for money wins the contract. 

With the Government and public sector organisations looking at smaller and more restricted budgets in coming years, what does that mean for businesses that tender in the public sector?

The tightening of public sector budgets will most certainly mean that procurement will occur under stricter conditions to ensure that the best company is retained for the job, at the best price. This will ensure that those businesses that bid for tenders, but fail to follow procedure or neglect to fill the tender forms out in full will find that they are more quickly ignored than in previous years.

The promotion of healthy competition amongst more able suppliers is good news for the tendering industry. Not only should there be increased levels of competence in the workforces that are chosen through successful tender bids, but there should also be more opportunities for smaller businesses to get in on the action.  

Smaller businesses now have more opportunity than ever to strike at the high end of the public sector when looking for new leads. Often being able to offer better value for money and a more personal working relationship with the contracting organisation. 

New, more restricted budgets will cause a decrease in the acceptance of laziness and halfheartedness when tendering, while seeing greater value being placed on sincere and value-conscious bids.