Procurement
We provide expert guidance on how to find and apply for local authority tenders. Our support covers every stage of the process, from identifying opportunities and becoming tender-ready, to writing strong, competitive bids.
Businesses can access workshops, networking events, and tailored resources designed to help them succeed. Whether you're new to procurement or looking to strengthen your approach, we’re here to make the process clearer, more strategic, and easier to navigate.
Our Story: Bridging the Procurement Gap
This advisory service was created following the Meet the Buyer event held on 10 September 2024. At the event, we identified a significant gap: many businesses, particularly SMEs and those from diverse communities, were unsure where to find tender opportunities and how to prepare a strong, successful bid.
In response to this, we developed a series of three procurement collateral, led by procurement expert Rachel Fletcher. These documents are designed to provide practical, step-by-step guidance on how to navigate public procurement, identify suitable opportunities, and submit compelling bids.
Our aim is to ensure that more local businesses feel confident, informed, and ready to compete for public sector contracts. By improving access to procurement knowledge, we are helping level the playing field so that businesses of all sizes and backgrounds can thrive.
This service is being delivered in collaboration with Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield City Council- Commercial Services, and the Sheffield Diverse Business Advisory Board.
Procurement Guidance
We are happy to offer these materials to support your businesses on your procurement journey:
1. Management of the Tender Process
2. Tendering Tips Masterclass
3. What You Need to Be Tender Ready
They are designed to give you practical guidance and clear, actionable advice. You can read the articles and watch the accompanying video by clicking on the links below.
Upcoming Event
Become a Supplier for Sheffield’s Public Sector: Informational Event
Are you a business owner looking to supply goods or services to Sheffield City Council and other public sector organisations such as the NHS, University of Sheffield, or Sheffield Hallam University?
This free in-person event is your gateway to understanding how to become an approved supplier for Sheffield’s major public institutions. Hosted by the Sheffield Diverse Business Board and Sheffield City Council Commercial Services, with support from Business Sheffield and the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, the session will demystify the procurement and tendering process, offering practical advice and real-world insights to help your business take the next step.
You’ll hear directly from procurement leaders and successful local businesses that have already secured contracts, and gain a clear understanding of how to navigate tender opportunities. The event will also highlight the support available to help diverse? businesses compete on a level playing field.
Whether you're new to public sector procurement or looking to grow your portfolio, this event will provide you with the knowledge, tools and contacts to move forward with confidence.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn how to become an approved supplier
- Gain valuable tips on tendering and the Procurement Act 2023
- Hear real success stories from local businesses
- Ask questions directly to procurement leaders
- Network with key decision-makers and other local businesses
Don’t miss this chance to grow your business and connect with Sheffield’s most influential institutions.
Slots are limited, each business can reserve a maximum of 2 tickets.
Date: October 8
Time: 9:30am - 12pm
Venue: Hallam Hall, Sheffield Hallam University, S1 1WB
Book here: Become a Supplier for Sheffield’s Public Sector: Informational Event
Looking Ahead
We plan to host the Meet the Buyer event on a regular basis. Each event will bring together businesses from across Sheffield, experts in public procurement, and representatives from commissioning organisations such as Sheffield City Council. These events will provide practical insights into the tendering process, offer valuable networking opportunities, and enable direct engagement with those responsible for awarding contracts. They will also serve as a space to gather feedback from businesses on the local procurement landscape, helping us shape future support and identifying gaps.
Useful Links
Working with public sector:
Information and guidance for suppliers - GOV.UK
How to do business with local government – selling to councils | Local Government Association
How to do business with local government – selling to councils | Local Government Association
The procurement Act 2023
The Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for suppliers (HTML) - GOV.UK & Supplier Registration Service
Apply for Local tender on Yortender
You can browse procurement opportunities across various local authorities in Yorkshire and the Humber by visiting YORtender.
To access live opportunities, submit bids, and ask questions, you’ll need to register your organisation. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes.
