Bid writing
Tender writing for UK public-sector contracts
We plan, write and polish complete tender responses that answer the question asked, follow the buyer's scoring guidance and stay inside every word limit.
What is included
What we do
- Read-through of the full tender pack and a compliance matrix of every requirement, deadline and document
- Win-theme and evidence planning with your team before anyone writes a word
- Drafting of quality, technical, social value and method statement answers
- Editing for evaluator readability: structure, headings, plain English, word counts
- Assembly of the submission bundle, with a line-by-line review call with you before upload
- Clarification question drafting during the tender period
Who it is for
Firms bidding for council, NHS, housing, education and central government contracts, whether it is your first tender or you need extra capacity alongside your own team.
What we need from you
- The tender documents (or a link to the notice)
- Your capability information: services, people, equipment, accreditations
- Two or three relevant past contracts we can turn into case studies
- Your pricing approach or minimum acceptable margin (you stay in control of price)
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee we will win?
No one 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 work through the buyer's feedback with you.
Can you write a bid if we have never tendered before?
Yes. Many contracts, especially below-threshold and lotted ones, are open to newer firms. We will be honest during the gap analysis about which opportunities are realistic.
How much notice do you need?
Ideally three to four weeks before the deadline. Shorter turnarounds are sometimes possible; ask us as early as you can.
Related guides
Learn more
A practical method for answering scored tender quality questions: decode the question, plan to the marking scheme, evidence every claim and write for the evaluator.
How evaluators score tenders under the Procurement Act 2023: award criteria, weightings, scoring scales, price formulas, thresholds and assessment summaries.
A practical checklist for UK public-sector tender submissions, from reading the pack to final upload. Free printable PDF.
Why outsource to West Gate
Your bid-writing team, ready when you need it
Bidding in-house ties up your best people and puts deadlines at risk. Hand it to a proven team and keep your staff focused on delivering the work you win.
† Figures based on bids West Gate submitted and contracts awarded in 2025.
- Less risk, less workloadWe take the research, writing, coordination and deadline pressure off your in-house team.
- A proven teamA 90%+ win rate† and £650m+ in UK contracts secured in 2025†.
- Scales with your pipelineFrom a single bid to a steady run of tenders, we flex with your workload.
- Specialist writers plus our technologyExperienced public-sector bid writers, backed by our own bid technology.
- Deadlines and compliance handledWe plan back from the deadline and check every requirement, word limit and attachment.