How to write winning bids to an ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) Framework

UK Educational Institutions procure a large variety of goods and services and are one of the largest buyers in the UK. They need trusted suppliers to procure from and finding them is a time consuming process. The ESPO Frameworks are pre-approved agreements that are in place for UK Educational Institutions to purchase from.

Submitting bids for ESPO frameworks are a great way to secure long term revenue for your business. The frameworks usually last a number of years, and if you are successful, you will gain access to a very long and large list of potential buyers, from education institutions to local authorities and NHS Trusts.

As bid and tender writing consultants specialising in helping clients write submissions for ESPO Frameworks, we have seen the positive effect on our client’s businesses when they are awarded onto an ESPO framework. It’s like a can of potential clients opening with solid revenue.

Taking the time to bid for a Framework is well worth it as they don’t have to then tender for each and every opportunity.

The 2024 ESPO Framework Changes and what you need to do to win more

There have been a number of changes to the ESPO Frameworks in 2024 which our bid writing consultants are well aware of. This has changed what you need to write and do to make a successful framework application.

Emerging sectors and technologies

Firstly, different and new emerging sectors and technologies have now been included in categories in ESPO. This has resulted in new frameworks being released, and also more opportunities for different types of businesses.

Focus on sustainability and social value

In order to write a successful ESP Frameworks submission, you now need to focus on sustainability and social value. Of course, you still need to showcase your experience and expertise, however, there are new criteria than those that were in place pre-2024 and this require focus and tailored writing. Responses on Social Value need to be quantified with ample detail provided, and you need to demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility.

When we write your proposal to an ESPO framework for you, you will find as brainstorming Social Value ideas and talking about what sustainability initiatives you have in place. It’s all because you need to score well in these two areas to win.

A more streamlined evaluation process from ESPO tenders by the procurement team

This is great for our clients as it means with clearer guidelines for submitting bids to the ESPO Framework, there is much more chance of you being successful. It’s all about writing a quality, concise and easily quantified submission.

Examples of some of the frameworks that became available for tender for ESPO in 2024 include:

• Library Hardware Solutions
• Food waste funding
• Provision of consultancy services for Decarbonisation and Net Zero Strategies
• Ready Meals and Smart Solutions.

How do I Find ESPO Framework opportunities?

The best way to find ESPO framework opportunities is through their reference guide. This has all the active frameworks, and enables businesses to quickly look through for potential opportunities. It also provides information on each framework and the procurement process.

ESPO know that navigating through all their frameworks is difficult for businesses, and they are committed to making it easy to bid for small to medium-sized businesses. Therefore, they have created the reference guide to make it quick and easy. Make an enquiry with us today and we will send you through the guide, as well as any other frameworks that may be of interest to your business.

What Categories and Framework Opportunities are there for ESPO Frameworks?

• Buildings: There are a broad range of frameworks that are related to construction and building. These range from the early stages of the building process, such as architectural and building design services, to carrying out building works and supplying materials and goods for dry hire.
• Energy: The energy category is related to the reduction of carbon footprint. There are frameworks for all different services (consulting and actionable) that help Educational and Government institutions to reduce their Carbon Footprint.
• Health and Social Care: This is a large category for ESPO. The types of services which are covered include technology enabled care products, provision of stairlifts and step-lifts, catering services and strategic HR Services.
• Sports and Leisure: There is a strong demand for sports and leisure equipment by many different trusts and educational institutions that procure through ESPA. Examples of suppliers including sports facility operators and the supply of sporting goods.
• Documents and IT: This is a broad category and our bid writers have helped a range of different businesses. This category include businesses that deliver Document Management Services, Postal Services, Technology products, Multifunctional Devices (MFDs), Telecommunications equipment, Non-Domestic Waste Collection (smart Solutions), Electrical Testing, Parking Management, Catering Solutions and many more. There are a lot of opportunities for businesses for ESPO Frameworks, particularly in this category where they need to procure a high volume of goods and services.
• Fleet & Highways: These frameworks are related to the vehicle fleets which organisations that area registered through ESPA have and are a great vehicle for car manufacturers and mechanical service providers to gain work through.
• Food and Catering: Our team is experienced in assisting clients with catering tenders who are bidding for a wide range of contracts for catering and food services. This category covers food services and catering and includes food products, catering services and the procurement and purchase of catering supplies.
• Libraries: This is for library supplies and services. Given ESPO has a strong education sector focus, this is a critical category.
• People Professional Services Category is focused on managing the workplace for skilled professionals.
• Waste and Environment: This category covers a broad range of waste and environmental services. It is aimed at reducing the environmental footprint with services such as recycling, consulting and waste reduction.

How our team of bid writers can help you win ESPO Framework Tenders

Our team of bid writers are based in London, Leicester and Birmingham. We help businesses across the UK bid for ESPO Framework opportunities. Having completed many successful ESPO Framework submission in the past we:

• Understand the procurement process and the strategies you need to employ to write a bid that wins.
• Will ensure that you meet (and exceed) the minimum criteria.
• Will take the hassle our of writing the bid for you.
• Will guide you on how to develop the necessary supporting documentation.
• Will ensure you incorporate win themes to help you win.

As we move into the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025, we are excited to continue to help our clients bid for ESPO Frameworks and grow their businesses.

Examples of current ESPO Framework contracts we can assist with include:

• 198_25 Water System Risk Assessment and Water Hygiene Monitoring Services
• Specialist Vehicles (Outright Purchase) (2024)
• Vehicle Rental (Self-Drive) (2024)
• Highway Electrical Connections provided by Independent Connection Providers (2024)
• Consultancy Services (664_25)

How Small and Medieum Enterprises can win ESPO Framework Bids

ESPO is highly supportive of SMEs participating in the procurement process. They have insights and guides on their websites that are tailored to helping SMEs win bids and navigate the complexities of the process.