Proposal writing is a team effort – but the quality of the final product depends on the weakest link. Managing multiple contributors, each with different writing styles, experience levels, and availability, can lead to inconsistent, unclear, or off-message content. The challenge is to raise the standard across the board – ​without rewriting everything yourself.​

Proposal writing demands more than good intentions – it needs a clear, compelling strategy. Yet many bids start with vague ideas and end with diluted execution. The challenge lies in translating strategic thinking into a focused, actionable plan that resonates with the client and sets your proposal apart.

Proposal writing is a collaborative process—but without clear communication, even the best teams can fall apart. Misunderstandings, inconsistent messaging, and siloed thinking can derail a bid, confuse the client, and waste valuable time. The challenge is ensuring everyone is aligned, informed, and working toward the same goal.

Proposal writing is a team sport, but too often, bid leaders try to do it all. The result? Bottlenecks, burnout, and missed opportunities. Delegation isn't about offloading tasks, it's about enabling your team to deliver their best work, while you focus on steering the bid to success.

How agile bidding strategies help defence suppliers respond faster to MOD and NATO opportunities.

How agile bidding strategies help defence suppliers respond faster to MOD and NATO opportunities.

Capture planning can be fast, focused, and effective — even in high-volume, short-deadline bid environments.​

TrainingESG expert Laurence Higgens highlights how social value is beginning to merge with ESG criteria, shaping a more integrated and strategic approach to proposals.St

New research reveals the human drivers of happiness in proposal teams – and how leaders can unlock them.

Branding doesn’t have to slow you down. Learn how to embed creativity into your proposal process - fast, focused, and effective.

Branding isn’t just a design exercise, it’s a strategic tool that starts at capture. Discover how early branding shapes client perception and sets your bid apart.

Measuring and reporting social value is crucial for demonstrating your commitment and impact. Laurence Higgens shared his expertise on this topic during a recent briefing to the SP team. This blog provides practical tips for bid and proposal managers on how to effectively measure and report social value.​

Government contracts increasingly emphasise social value, making it a key factor in the bidding process. Laurence Higgens, a social value expert, discussed this trend in a recent briefing session with the SP team. This blog explores the role of social value in government contracts and provides tips for bid and proposal managers.​

Delivering social value in bids can be challenging, especially for organisations new to this concept. In a recent briefing to the SP team, Laurence Higgens shared his experiences and strategies for overcoming these challenges. This blog delves into his insights and offers practical advice for bid and proposal managers.

Have you ever wondered how the skills from journalism, public affairs, and ghost writing can elevate your proposal writing? These disciplines are not just about writing; they are about crafting a narrative, engaging the audience, and delivering a clear, concise message. Denise Mullen, our new team member, brings a wealth of experience from these fields, making her an invaluable asset to our proposal team.

The UK government's Procurement Act is in full swing and brings with it a significant emphasis on market engagement, recognising its critical role in ensuring successful procurement outcomes. This blog explores the details of the guidelines on market engagement and their implications for both bidders and buyers.

Delving in to the details of the new UK government KPI requirements. The UK government's Procurement Act introduces stringent guidelines on Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and performance in public procurement. These guidelines require contracting authorities to set and publish at least three KPIs for public contracts with an estimated value of more than £5 million. This blog delves into the details of these requirements and their implications for bidders and buyers.

The UK government's Procurement Act introduces a significant shift from Model Award Criteria (MACs) to Missions, reflecting a broader political agenda aimed at driving economic growth, energy efficiency, and breaking down barriers to opportunity. This change necessitates a rethinking of bidding strategies to deliver real value and align with the new missions. Read more about it here: PPN 02. ​

Navigating the UK Government's AI guidelines: implications for bidders and buyers Read our views on the impact of PPN 017 on bidding into the UK public sector. The UK government's recent guidelines on AI transparency in procurement, outlined in PPN 017, targets ensuring ethical and responsible use of AI in public sector procurement. These guidelines aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness in the use of AI technologies, which are increasingly becoming integral to procurement processes. They are a must read for those bidding in to the public sector.

In the ever-evolving landscape of bids and proposals, generative AI has emerged as a transformative force. To harness its potential effectively, it's crucial to adhere to a set of guiding principles that ensure its use is strategic, ethical, and aligned with business objectives. Drawing from the insights from a recent AI survey from our own research, here are the foundational principles for integrating generative AI into your bidding process: