FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most about bid writing, tenders and working with West Gate.
What does West Gate do?
We help UK businesses win and deliver public-sector contracts: finding the right tenders, writing and reviewing bids, completing selection questionnaires, framework applications and bid management, plus business, procurement, planning and data centre consultancy.
Do you guarantee that we will win?
No. Nobody honestly can. Tenders are scored on your capability, evidence and price as well as the written response. We commit to a clean, compliant, well-evidenced submission, and if a bid is unsuccessful we review the feedback with you to strengthen the next one.
Can a new business win government contracts?
Yes, although some contracts set minimum turnover or experience requirements. Many lower-value and lotted opportunities are open to newer firms, and we will be honest about which are realistic.
Which sectors do you cover?
We focus on construction, fit-out, facilities management, fire safety, mechanical and electrical, landscaping, supply, cleaning and security, and we can support most other sectors.
Do you only work on UK contracts?
Our bid writing service focuses on UK public-sector contracts and the UK procurement rules.
How much does it cost?
Bid writing starts from £499. Larger or more complex bids are quoted at a fixed fee before work starts, and some engagements combine a modest upfront fee with a fee on award. See our pricing page.
What is the Procurement Act 2023?
The law that governs most public procurement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for procurements started on or after 24 February 2025. Read our guide for what it means for suppliers.
Do I need to register on the Central Digital Platform?
If you bid for contracts under the Procurement Act 2023, yes. From 1 April 2026 buyers must also obtain the unique identifier of suppliers awarded notifiable below-threshold contracts.
How much notice do you need to write a bid?
Ideally three to four weeks before the deadline. Shorter turnarounds are sometimes possible, so contact us as early as you can.
Will you keep our information confidential?
Yes. We treat your bid content, pricing and commercial information as confidential and use it only to deliver our work for you.
Do you write competing bids for the same tender?
No. To avoid conflicts of interest we do not support competing bidders on the same opportunity.
Where does the tender search data come from?
From Find a Tender and Contracts Finder, published under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Every result links to the official notice.
Are the tender alerts really free?
Yes. Choose your sectors, regions, keywords and value range, confirm your email address, and unsubscribe at any time with one click.
Do you help with frameworks?
Yes: choosing the right frameworks and lots, writing the application, and then winning call-off work once you are appointed.
Can you review a bid we have written ourselves?
Yes. We offer full bid reviews and a free review of a single question and answer.
Where are you based?
Our London office is at 25 Eccleston Place, Eccleston Yard, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9NF. You can book a face-to-face appointment there, or a phone or video call, using our book-a-call form.