Selling to public bodies.
WHAT IS TYPICALLY REQUIRED
Registration on the relevant procurement database Company registration documents Tax clearance Evidence of pension and other statutory compliance Audited accounts Evidence of relevant experience Sector licences, where applicable
WHY THE LIST IS LONG
Public procurement rules require demonstrable capacity and compliance.
WHAT THE THRESHOLD EFFECT IS
Smaller businesses frequently cannot meet documentation requirements.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Build the compliance record before pursuing contracts.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Filing everything on time, for several years.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Which body procures what you sell What their registration requires How opportunities are advertised
WHAT TO EXPECT
Formal processes Specific submission requirements Deadlines applied strictly
WHAT COMMONLY DISQUALIFIES BIDS
Missing documents Incorrect format Late submission Unsigned pages
WHY THOSE MATTER SO MUCH
Evaluation is frequently on compliance first, merit second.
WHAT TO DO
Follow the instructions exactly, however trivial they seem.
WHAT TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE
A complete document pack, kept current.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR
Bid preparation time, which is substantial.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Opportunities requiring payment to access.
