GUEST BLOGGER: LOCAL CONTENT SPECIALIST, BEN HUGHES

It seems at the moment not a day goes by where there isn’t a workshop on tendering or an information session about being involved in one of the numerous major projects occurring in our region. We have certainly been busy attending these workshops and learning more about what major companies are looking for when choosing a supplier. Local Content specialist, Ben Hughes, takes the reins of our blog to explain what he thinks should be one of the main focus areas for small business to get the attention of large organisations.   

Putting your best foot forward and representing your business in the best possible light is critically important. Your tender submission needs to be professionally written and well-presented. The right content needs to be included and this should contain information about your capabilities, accreditations, previous experience etc.

Buyers will also want you to demonstrate how you embrace technology. Expect your website to be assessed. It will be practically the first thing a buyer will do when they hear about you. If your website is terrible then what does that say about the rest of your business?

Any small business that is looking to get the confidence of the market place must really commit to using technology to optimise their operations. Everyone needs to look at their business and think positively about the role of technology.

Think of how technology can make you more attractive (and less risky) to a new client.

Estimation – accurate estimates based on accurate data means less chance of variations later down the track.

Contract Administration – if your claims are accurate and your timesheets are completed correctly then you’ll make your buyer happy.

Business Operations – give buyers confidence you can manage crucial systems such as inventory, HSE or scheduling e.g www.simpro.co

Technology doesn’t need to be expensive or scary but it does need to be accepted and embraced. It can help you substantiate prices and enable reliability which is what buyers look for. The reality is large buyers like to know you have good technology.