St Helens Chamber Business Growth Grant has helped a local firm, by part funding a project to improve its Tendering and Procurement process
Prestige Skills Ltd is a multi-faceted company serving the construction and utilities sectors. The business has grown considerably in its first two years, and in order to continue that growth, Managing Director Paul Harding identified improving its tendering as a key priority.
Paul says: “We knew we had to improve on all elements of our process to start winning more tenders. We consider ourselves to be professional suppliers rather than casual contractors, however we weren’t getting that message out effectively to the buyers”
A new “altered” buying world is emerging in both public and private procurement post-Pandemic and post-Brexit. Other changes, and opportunities, impacting businesses, include the imminent changes in energy provision and the UK move to Net Zero.
“Essentially Prestige Skills needs to be what may be seen as an energizing & knowledgeable supplier, in order to stand out from our competitors and win tenders” says Paul. “We recognised that we needed help to articulate this, and approached the Chamber when we heard about the Business Growth Grant.
The Business Growth Grant provides 35% funding towards the cost of external consultancy. It’s available to St Helens SME’s operating in a business-to business environment.
Paul says: “the application process was really straightforward, and as well as the obvious help with the grant, it was a great way of identifying the best consultant for us”
The team at Prestige Skills worked closely with the consultant over a number of weeks, and the firm has emerged as a business well equipped to face the challenging new tender arena.
“It’s been a really enlightening experience” says Paul, “there a so many elements that are important to buyers these days, its not just about price. Compliance, innovation, performance management and consideration to the Governments Net Zero targets all have to be given detailed attention.”
Prestige Skills Ltd has just launched its brand new website so that buyers can see first-hand, the wide range of services the company delivers. www.prestigeskills.com
Click here for more information on the Business Growth Grant or contact Business Support on 01744 742058 or email businesssupport@sthelenschamber.com
