How to Get Construction Tenders?

In the highly competitive construction industry, securing tenders is the lifeblood of many businesses. Tenders are the gateway to winning contracts, building a steady pipeline of work and growing your country’s reputation. However, tendering for construction projects can be complex, and the process requires both industry knowledge and strong business practices.

At Contractwise, not only do we help protect contractors and subcontractors, but we also manage their finances and ensure CIS compliance through our comprehensive range of services, including payroll audits that minimise the risk of HMRC reclassification.

In this article, we’ll explore how to get construction tenders, providing you with handy tips to place yourself in the best position.

Read on for more information…

What are construction tenders?

A construction tender is a formal proposal submitted by a contractor or subcontractor to undertake a project. It outlines the scope of work, pricing, resources and timeline. In essence, it’s a bid for business. Tendering allows clients to select the best company for their construction project based on cost, quality and reliability.

The tender process ensures transparency, competition and fairness while providing contractors with an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise. In the construction industry, tenders can cover everything from small-scale renovations to major infrastructure projects.

Finding construction tender leads can be a challenge, and later in this article, we’ll explain the best places to source and win them.

Different types of construction tendering

Tendering is not a one-size-fits-all process. There are several types of construction tendering, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Let’s take a look at the most common types:

Open tendering

Open tendering means that anyone interested in the job can make a bid. Notices are usually published publicly, giving all companies a chance to compete.

Advantages include:

• It promotes fairness and healthy competition

• It gives smaller or newer businesses the chance to enter the market

• It increases the client’s choice of suppliers

However, the process can attract a high number of bids that make it hard to evaluate them all, and quality can vary.

Selective tendering

Selective tendering involves only pre-qualified contractors to bid. Clients will select companies based on experience, reputation and previous work.

This approach has benefits such as:

• It ensures higher quality bids

• It saves time for both parties

• It reduces the chance of unqualified people bidding

However, selective tendering does limit opportunities for smaller firms and can reduce competition.

Negotiated tendering

Negotiated tendering involves direct discussions between the client and one or a few chosen contractors. Terms, prices and conditions are agreed collaboratively.

Advantages this process offers include:

• It builds strong client-contractor relationships

• It allows greater flexibility in pricing and project scope

• It is useful for specialist or urgent projects

However, this can reduce transparency and may exclude some contractors who are just as qualified. There is also a risk of higher project costs if the negotiation is unbalanced.

Where to find construction tenders

Finding the right opportunities is the first step. Construction tenders are published across a variety of platforms, including:

• Trade publications:like industry magazines and bulletins that list open tenders.

• Government and local authority bulletins: Councils, trusts and government departments regularly release tender notices. The government has its own handy contract and service finder tools.

• Online department websites: Ministries and public sector agencies list upcoming tenders directly on their portals.

• Contract finder tools: There is a wide range of online databases and tools that allow businesses to search for tenders by region, sector or project size.

Keeping up with multiple sources of finding tenders ensures you don’t miss valuable opportunities.

How to get construction tenders

Winning a construction tender requires a lot more than just submitting a price. You must carefully prepare a compelling, professional bid. Here are the steps you can take when approaching a tender.

Find tenders

Search across all the channels we mentioned above to identify tenders that match your company’s skills and resources.

Break the tenders down

Read the tender documents thoroughly. Understand the scope, deadlines and evaluation criteria. This will prevent mistakes in the future.

Write your bid

Prepare a clear and structured proposal. Focus on the client’s requirements, not just your own capabilities.

Highlight strengths

In the tender, emphasise your expertise, past experience and unique selling points. Demonstrate why you are the best fit for the project.

Explain benefits

Clients want value for money. Explain how your approach will save costs and ensure quality throughout the project.

Provide accurate information

Supply all requested details, from financial stability to insurance documents. Not including key information can cause your bid to be overlooked.

Showcase past work

Include case studies or references to previous projects that demonstrate your ability to deliver similar outcomes.

Submit professionally

Ensure the tender is presented professionally, free of errors and submitted before the deadline.

How to get construction tenders online

The digital age has transformed the tendering process. Many tenders can now be accessed, completed and submitted completely online.

• Register on platforms: Create accounts on contract-finder websites and government portals.

• Set alerts: Use keyword searches and set up notifications to stay updated, so you don’t miss any tenders.

• Upload your credentials: Some systems allow you to pre-upload company details and references, speeding up your applications.

• Digital submission: Upload your tender responses, following the platform’s instructions.

Importance of tendering in construction

Tendering is more than just a business formality; it is vital for the growth of your organisation. Here are some of the main reasons it’s so important:

• Business growth: Securing tenders ensures a consistent flow of projects and income.

• Reputation: Successful bids will build your company’s reputation.

• Fair competition: The process ensures transparency and, in some circumstances, gives contractors a level playing field.

• Efficiency and innovation: Tendering pushes businesses to refine processes, cut costs and deliver better outcomes.

At Contractwise, we understand the importance of the tendering process to your business. That’s why, we offer CIS payroll services to take your tax and payroll burdens off your hands. We help minimise the risk of HMRC reclassification and ensure both workers and companies are protected. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.