The Tendering Debate

Our thanks to all who have responded to the request for a working party to discuss and debate the issue surrounding the cost of tenders. There has been no shortage of interest in this topic and we have no few offers of interest to be involved.

As one would expect, there have been many views and opinions expressed which cover the wide spectrum which the discussion raises.

We have provisionally shortlisted a group of 18 experienced industry players to come together to lead the discussion. These are drawn from leading industry operators, food service consultants, procurement professionals and “client” organisations from all sectors. It should act as a strong basis for an informative debate which we hope can lead to a wider industry discussion in time.

Those involved will include some of the most some senior names from the industry over the last two decades, so there will no lack of experience around the table.

To recap, the question which has been fairly raised is that operators have faced so many challenges in the last year, so many rising costs, is it correct that the cost of a tender process can lie between £30-70,000 ?

And it is not just one company who will invest at this level but a number in the hope of winning a major contract?

It has also been asked whether the process naturally creates a barrier for small players who naturally will face a longer road back to strength in the rebuild? But more importantly, if there was a way to reduce the cost of tendering, this investment can be turned to better use as companies do rebuild.

So the question has been asked – is there another way? Is there scope for a discussion on this issue between industry, clients and consultants?