Westminster Business Council are helping to roll out a Supplier Readiness Programme for Westminster City Council (WCC) which might be of interest to the local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (VCSE).
The programme offers a full suite of support including online sessions such as Practical Bid Writing, a session on business development for SMEs, branding, sessions on Responsible Procurement, and Understanding Westminster's tendering process.
Sessions will be repeated in the coming months.
The form for signing up is here: Registration Form.
There is nothing to be lost by signing up as it costs nothing. Once submitted someone from the compliance/business team at WCC will be in touch.
Please do tick the box stating you heard about the programme from Westminster Business Council.
Workshop Schedule:
Introduction to Public Procurement - ONLINE
Wednesday 10 September 2025, 10am – 11am
This training session covers key stages of the procurement cycle.
From planning and market engagement to selection, tender and evaluation.
Delivered by WCC procurement specialists.
Finding the Perfect Tender: Effective Tender Searches and Compliance Made Easy - ONLINE
Wednesday 17 September 2025, 10am – 12pm
This workshop is designed to help businesses develop effective strategies for searching for tenders.
Understanding public procurement portals and using a compliance matrix and bid/no bid analysis tool to assess their readiness to bid.
Responsible Procurement and Commissioning - ONLINE
Wednesday 24 September 2025, 10am – 11am
Addressing more complex and/or council related tender questions on social value, diversity & inclusion, modern slavery, and climate action.
Delivered by WCC responsible procurement specialists.
Practical Bid Writing Hybrid Session
16 In-Person Spaces Available
Wednesday 15 October 2025, 10am – 1pm
Prepare your SME to win public sector contracts with this essential workshop.
In-person workshops that will go over top tips for bid writing success, with case studies.
Delivered by procurement and tendering experts.
Credit Management - Improve your Cash Flow Management - SMEs
Wednesday 29 October 2025, 10am – 12pm
Helping in businesses improve cash flow and increasing profits to ensure their own business success.
• Credit management
• Credit control
• Cash flow management
• Commercial debt recovery
Foundation to Winning Bids - Pricing and Scoping, - Hybrid
16 Spaces In-Person available
Wednesday 5 November 2025, 10am – 1pm
Scoping and Pricing for Profitable Tenders (or for charities, ensuring you don't lose money)
One of the biggest challenges in bidding for contracts is determining exactly how you’ll deliver the project, outlining the specific steps involved, and, most importantly, pricing it in a way that ensures profitability.
Practical Business Development for SMEs - ONLINE
Wednesday 12 November 2025, 10am – 12pm
Equip SMEs with actionable strategies for business growth, market competitiveness, and partnership readiness.
Provide tactical solutions and an action plan for business development.
Create an interactive and valuable experience for
attendees.
Essential Branding and Marketing Strategies for SMEs - ONLINE
Wednesday 19 November 2025, 10am – 12pm
Introduction to Branding and Marketing Techniques
• Brand Values
• Logo and Visual Identity Systems
• Using AI for Tone of Voice
• Marketing Strategies
• Writing a Marketing Plan
• Market Research
Finding the Perfect Tender: Effective Tender Searches and Compliance Made Easy - ONLINE
Thursday 11 December 2025, 10am - 12pm
This workshop is designed to help businesses develop effective strategies for searching for tenders.
Understanding public procurement portals and using a compliance matrix and bid/no bid analysis tool to assess their readiness to bid.