Dorset bid specialists,Bidbetter, who help many local and national businesses win valuable contracts are now recommending that their clients demonstrate ‘community benefits’ when bidding for new business.

The public sector (Social Value) Act 2012 requires all public bodies to consider how the services they commission might improve the well-being of a local area.

This means that suppliers need to be proactive and ensure they are automatically including elements of social value when developing a tender response. By demonstrating that they will support the economic success of an area alongside local SMEs, charities, and social enterprises, a business can significantly improve their bid evaluation score. Community benefits can include promoting equal opportunities, support for the disadvantaged and contributions to education, training and apprenticeship schemes.

Philip Norman, Director of Bidbetter advises:“A good starting point in considering how your organisation could benefit the local community would be to consider the local social surroundings and think about how the area and community could benefit most from your contribution; then align this to your overriding company ethos and values. This will ensure that the benefits provided are relevant, tangible and sustainable.”