Bid writing specialist achieves pitch perfect turnover

Tender and award writing specialist Ask the Chameleon has reported a big increase in turnover due to a shift in the thinking of businesses.

The business has reported its best successive two years of trading, achieving a 158% increase in turnover compared to pre-Covid figures.

Owner Rachel Hayward, who was ineligible for government support during the pandemic, credits a change in businesses thinking about the complexity – and likely success – of tender submissions.

She said: “Covid-19 did not negatively affect the release of thousands of procurement opportunities.

“These opportunities have continued, as highlighted by a commitment from this government in the Queens Speech to involve more SMEs in contract delivery.”

Rachel likens writing for tenders to “writing your CV for the first time”, acknowledging that while it is intensive initially there are efficiencies to be gained.

She said: “Many of my clients saw tenders as regular sources of income during the most testing economic times – which show little sign of abating.

“Now they have won a few tenders, they are keen to secure more.”

The consultancy secured its largest win to date during the restrictions – a £21.75 million contract – and supported several arts businesses to secure much-needed Covid support funding.

To date, Ask the Chameleon has secured £36.1 million for SMEs and charities.
As well as writing tenders, Rachel is also a huge advocate for business awards and has supported many fellow Bondholders to accolades such as Queen’s Awards, Chamber of Commerce and FSB awards.

She said: “Awards continue to support small businesses and raise their profile.

“They bring much-needed income and exposure to their brand, while celebrating their continued survival during the toughest economic years in recent times.

“With over thousands of business awards available, there truly is one out there for you and I would recommend every business owner includes them on their marketing action plan – in particular the Queen’s Awards, which is the highest accolade of them all.”