How working with a consultancy drives infrastructure tender success
With the UK Government looking to fast-track 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure schemes by the end of this parliament, project managers must focus on streamlining their planning and cost estimating processes to remain competitive when bidding for infrastructure tenders.
In the latest Spring Statement, Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the Government’s support for major infrastructure developments, including a third runway at Heathrow Airport, and passing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which proposed measures to cut red tape and speed up planning decisions.
With this in mind, it is clear that project managers must produce accurate and competitive tender bids to ensure they are winning new business. Yet, due to squeezed budgets and in-house skill shortages, bidding effectively is a growing challenge.
Project managers need to adapt rapidly to changing requirements
Project managers are increasingly under pressure to fulfil the demands of major infrastructure schemes. Nick Morgan Jones, estimating technical lead at Blueprint, explains that the infrastructure industry is rapidly evolving and requires managers to be adaptable.
He said: “The UK Government has intervened to protect steel production in Scunthorpe, which is the last plant producing virgin steel in the UK, so it can continue to produce this vital material for large-scale developments like nuclear plants, railways, and buildings.
“This intervention showcases the difficult market conditions impacting UK industry, which will have a knock-on effect on large-scale infrastructure and the wider supply chain.
“For project managers, this means ensuring planning and scheduling strategies are robust when bidding for new work, going beyond the upfront cost and looking at the whole lifecycle of the project, accounting for complex system processes, and programmes.”
In this blog, we delve into why partnering with a project controls consultancy can help ensure your infrastructure tender bid is foolproof, so you can be confident that your budget and schedule are on track for complex projects.
Read more: Three reasons why project managers should cost estimate.
Three reasons why working with a consultancy drives tender success
A fully integrated approach across the entire project controls function, leading to better forecasting and stronger cost control.
Working with a specialist consultancy can provide project management consultants with unbiased assessments of project estimates to help them make more informed decisions. When skills are short in-house, having a dedicated team of estimators means they can work in any capacity needed.
At Blueprint, this ranges from managing the estimating process entirely to handling pre-specified packages, providing retained support, or just extra hands on deck for a specific project. This means clients don’t pay for anything unnecessary, as we adapt depending on the scalability and flexibility required.
Specialised knowledge so that tender bids are accurately estimated according to sector-specific nuances and standards.
An accurate estimate, which aligns with industry best practice, ensures bids are competitive and realistic. It means any gap between supplier quotes and original estimates can be addressed early, and risks associated with cost overruns or incomplete project scopes are minimised, reducing financial errors and project delays.
Working with a consultancy with up-to-date knowledge and access to sophisticated cost modelling software results in the most effective negotiations during the tender process. This means no stone is left unturned, covering resource allocation, contractor selection, and project timeline planning, leading to a smoother and more precise execution.
It helps fulfil social value requirements in tenders via apprenticeship placements.
At the end of February 2025, the UK Government announced that all public contracts in England and Wales are required to have a minimum of 10 per cent weighting for social value. For project managers bidding for tenders, this means that they are not just considered on cost, but also on social impact and public benefit.
At the Blueprint Academy, we are training highly skilled project controls consultants as part of our 18-month graduate scheme. By partnering with our graduate consultants and giving them hands-on experience on-site, you are not only accessing ECITB-accredited training but can fulfil social value commitments by providing apprentices with vital experience on major schemes.
Looking to upskill your own project managers in cost estimation?
We offer an ECITB-approved training course in cost estimating, either as a stand-alone module or as part of our comprehensive Project Controls Training at the Blueprint Academy.
Across the two-day cost estimation course, learners become familiar with both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience. They will develop a thorough understanding of how to derive an estimate, the details involved, and the service provided.
Want to see better results from your tender bids?
Our cost estimation services provide accurate, detailed estimates to help businesses make informed decisions, reduce financial risks, and allocate resources effectively.
Read our new cost estimation brochure with a breakdown of services here.
Contact us today
If you are looking to boost your tender bidding strategy for infrastructure projects, partnering with our team ensures you put your best foot forward.
Speak to our specialist team of consultants across major UK infrastructure, energy, and defence developments. Get in touch today.