SMEs and startups are getting a lot of attention in the public procurement market. The reason is simple, if long overdue; the government wants to encourage them to play a more significant role in the sector. The idea being to cash in on their innovation, close ties to local communities, and flexibility.
SMEs and startups account for 99% of all businesses in the UK. If harnessed properly, they have the potential to make a profound difference to the country’s economy and economic growth.
Of course, startups also benefit from greater participation in public procurement. Contracts can provide up to four years of steady income. This gives them plenty of time to hone their skills, which is likely to be lauded by contracting authorities, which boosts their reputation for quality.
The upshot is that a successful project with services that exceeded expectations attracts attention from other public bodies with similar projects in the pipeline.
Startups can capitalise on these opportunities by paying attention to trends in public sector tendering and incorporating them into their business offering.
We’re going to look at the top five opportunities for startups and SMEs in public procurement and how Supply2Gov (S2G) gives them an edge in a competitive market.
Top 5 Public Sector Tender Opportunities for Startups
There are five industries that present the best contract opportunities for startups to successfully win public contracts.
1) Sustainability and Green Initiatives for Startups
The UK government has set a rather ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2050. Everyone is expected to do their part, particularly businesses that work with government departments because the government is under pressure to lead the way.
Renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable construction present the best opportunities for startups to capture their share of the procurement market.
Examples of sustainability tenders for startups include:
- Renewable energy contract opportunities could include installing energy-efficient windows in government buildings.
- Waste management contracts could include collecting and delivering recyclable material (glass, paper, etc.) to recycling depots.
- Sustainable construction contract opportunities could include a new on-site process to make building foundations greener and more environmentally friendly.
2) Healthcare and Medical Tech Tenders for Startups
Medical technology (medtech) is particularly important in the healthcare industry.
MedTech is a (very) broad term that includes everything from ankle braces to surgical equipment, including robots that perform surgery.
Suppliers who can provide products, services, or works that develop, enhance, and increase the efficiency of medtech could be in high demand.
For example
- Software for CT scanners and other digital, data-driven equipment
- More sophisticated components for hearing aids
- Telemedicine apps for smartphones
- Streamline the tendering process for raw materials and a greener supply chain
3) Education and Training Tenders for Startups
There is a skills shortage in the UK and the government is keen to address the problem by creating contract opportunities for startups that provide services in educational technology, online training platforms, and vocational training services.
For example
- Change management training for digitalisation
- Training webinars on safe construction practices
- Online health and safety training courses for healthcare providers at community clinics
4) Construction and Infrastructure Tenders for Startups
We mentioned construction very briefly in the context of sustainability. There are far more opportunities in other fields, including those related to civil engineering and innovative building technology.
For example
- New tech that increases energy efficiency in council housing
- Planning pedestrian bridges for cities in Sussex
- Innovative processes that increase the strength of gable roofing material
- Landscaping services for city parks
- New safety techniques that improve health and safety and reduce accidents on construction sites
- Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) that include prefab walls and modular units for quicker, greener, and more efficient construction
In fact, the time to improve and enhance your products, services, and works is now because the government is set to spend £700 billion on infrastructure over the next ten years. That’s spending on transportation networks, healthcare, energy infrastructure, digital infrastructure, social infrastructure, and more.
Note: The government has published a Construction Playbook for suppliers who want to work on public sector projects. The book provides guidance for suppliers to align their standards, behaviours, and work processes with government expectations.
Also note: The Construction Playbook is mandatory for central government and arms-length bodies (ALBs).
5) Digital and IT Services for Startups
There is a mass movement of digital transformation in public sector contracts across government agencies. The aim is to get rid of old legacy systems and replace them with shiny new digital ones. Areas of focus include cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development that ultimately improve operational efficiency and user satisfaction.
For example
- Software that enhances collaboration between buyers and suppliers and between government departments and public bodies themselves.
- Software that uses AI and automation to streamline procurement processes between buyers and all levels of their supply chains.
- AI tools to facilitate innovation and product development
Supply2Gov Tender Alerts for Startups
S2G has been in the public sector procurement business long enough to have picked up a few tricks to give suppliers an extra competitive edge in the market. Here are just three ways how we can help you win public sector contracts for startups.
Instant Tender Alerts
We have the largest database of tender alerts in the UK and Republic of Ireland – larger than the government’s database. So, you know our find a tender service will deliver contracts that are perfect for your skills.
All you need to do is register on our contracts finder platform – for free – and you’ll find relevant opportunities flying your way as soon as they become available. Receiving alerts in real-time enables you to get your bids in ahead of your competitors.
During the registration process, you’ll be asked to fill in your business details. It’s important to be as clear as possible so we can help you find tenders specific to your niche.
Flexible Subscriptions
We have four find a tender service plans that provide you with pay-as-you-grow subscription options. This means you scale up as your business grows or scale down if you’re preparing for retirement in the south of France. This keeps your tender alerts relevant to your size and capacity.
Sector-Specific Support
Startups needn’t worry about navigating new territory on their own because we don’t just provide relevant contracts and tender alerts. We also have tailored resources and support to guide you through the public procurement process in your industry, from digital services and healthcare to education and construction.
Register now and find out how we can help you maximise your chances of winning contracts in your area of specialisation.