What Does Tender Writing Mean to the Logistics Sector?

What is Tender Writing?

Before diving headfirst into how to approach tender writing in the logistics sector, we feel it is fundamental to provide you with an explanation of what tender writing is and how it all works. To summarise, tender writing is the development of responses to contract opportunities, be it public sector or private sector. Think of this a bit like an audition, a buyer is looking for you to fulfil a role and provide a service and you are showcasing why your company is the best possible choice to fulfil said role. However, this may not only be simply writing, you may be requested to compile company information together, such as policies, case studies and accreditations.

What is the Value of Tender Writing?

Whilst this may seem daunting, tender writing can be a very worthwhile endeavour if done correctly. With over 2,000 logistics contracts out for tender in the UK alone at any one given time, there are plenty of opportunities for your company to shine. Internal research has shown that the average Logistics tenders typically tend to be valued anywhere between £10,000 right the way up to £25,000,000, with obvious exceptions at either end. Now this means that there are opportunities for every business out there, whether big or small, to grow and expand. However, whilst tender writing is certainly not quantum physics, it is not as easy as diving in headfirst. Much like my old Math’s teacher used to say, fail to prepare, prepare to fail, and this most certainly applies to tender writing.

We have conducted internal research which has shown that the two biggest themes we see in Logistics tenders are environmental and health and safety focused. With this in mind, below are some tips to secure you higher marks in your tender responses.

What Is Tender Writing? Writing the Environmentally Friendly Way

In the modern era, it is vital that we all act more conscientiously toward our carbon footprint and energy usage. However, this is massive in the logistics sector, particularly if you and your staff spend a large majority of your time travelling. For example, let’s say you are a haulage company submitting a response to a tender for bulk deliveries, it will be key that you showcase what measures you enact within your tender responses. Listed below are tips for what you can include within your tender response and help you understand further what successful tender writing is:

Software

Mentioning the use of software can be vital when writing tender responses, especially in the logistics sector. There is numerous, affordable software out there which helps organisations to calculate route optimisation and drive down emissions. Internal research has shown that 95% of tenders we come across include questions regarding the environmental measures company’s implement and 99% of logistics tenders include said questions.

Consultancy

Receiving expert consultancy regarding your carbon footprint or having company’s conduct audits on how you can reduce emissions will not only be beneficial for the environment, it will be beneficial for your company’s pocket too. Mentioning this can be crucial in scoring high marks in your tender responses. Buyers like to know potential suppliers have gone the extra mile, even more so when said mileage is environmentally conscientious.

Environmentally friendly vehicles

Now this may seem obvious, but many companies may overlook this when carrying out tender writing. Shouting about this will earn you top marks and will allow you to showcase that your company are willing to spend and invest in modern automotive technology that is environmentally friendly. Of course, make this reasonable, a buyer will know if you are exaggerating, and stating your entire fleet of HGVs will be fully electric within the next 6 months may be a bit of a stretch.

What is Tender Writing? Writing with awareness to Health and Safety

Health and Safety in the Logistics sector can be massive, particularly when involving the use of large, heavy vehicles and long-distance travelling. Understanding the question, ‘what is tender writing?’ is not just focused on your ability to write, it is about showcasing your company has robust procedures in place to ensure measures to uphold Health and Safety are implemented. Key tips for writing tender responses that showcase this are as follows:

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are key, especially when responding to Health and Safety questions in tenders. If a question is asking you for your approach to Health and Safety and minimising risks, it is a safe bet that the buyer will be looking for risk assessments and method statements (RAMs) to be attached, whether they are explicitly asking you to do so. Of course, if the buyer states no further attachments are permitted, then stick to the buyer’s requests.

For example, let’s say you are a removal company who specialise in office removals, then you need to include, how you minimise damage to property, how you ensure workers are safe and do not drive excessive hours, how you minimise the risks associated with manual handling and so on.

Policies

When understanding what tender writing is, oftentimes businesses tend to overlook policies and company literature. Again, submitting attachments showcasing well-developed Health and Safety policies will help strengthen your tender writing and validate your responses further. For example, the average question regarding Health and Safety in the logistics sector is 750 words.

Now if you are a national company who manufacture and deliver products, 750 words will not be enough to fully showcase the Health and Safety measures your company implements. With this being said, ensure your policies are detailed and up to date with current legislation.

Conclusion

To conclude, when carrying out tender writing in the logistics sector, making sure you showcase the environmental measures you implement can be crucial to scoring high marks. Concurrently, ensuring you showcase the measures your company enacts regarding health and safety can be crucial, of which may often involve attaching further documentation to verify this. Should you require any further assistance, get in touch with our Hudson Succeed team today. Our Hudson Succeed team offer bespoke tender consultancy and are experienced across all sectors, providing you with the knowledge needed to tackle tendering. Not only this, but we have developed the world’s first virtual tender learning environment, Tender VLE, which provides you with free tender hints and tips, regardless of your location.