Name
Peter Sharpe
Job title
Bid Manager/Writer
Tell us about your role
I work with our London and South East clients on the tender process and support the production of the final bid. My role is varied and can include bid writing, editing, reviewing and working with the client directly to gather information and ensure their key selling points are clear. There’s no such thing as a typical day!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I find it very rewarding to start with a blank page and develop something compelling and persuasive that puts our clients across in the best way. I enjoy working with the clients, getting to know them and developing a relationship, which is very important in a consultancy role. There is a talented and supportive team at AM Bid Services, and it’s a joy to work with my colleagues.
Do you have a career highlight?
I have been very fortunate to work on some really interesting projects. These include the Mersey Gateway Bridge and bids for clients including the NHS and Liverpool Arena.
What’s your background?
Like a lot of people, I fell into bidding after university and have had roles in the charity, education and economic development sectors.
I also had three years “on the other side”, working as a procurement officer for public and private sector organisations both in the UK and Ireland. This gave me valuable insight into the buying process and what goes on during a bid evaluation.
What’s the best thing about working in the bidding industry?
A lot of people find bidding a challenge and it’s really rewarding to help them win contracts, create employment and safeguard their future of their businesses.
I also love working with the third sector. There are some amazing organisations out there that do important and innovative work and it’s great to help them get funding and see them develop.
What’s your top bidding tip for 2018?
Always put yourself in the shoes of the buyer and think about what their aims are. Public sector spending is driven by policy and being able to understand and echo back these priorities is very effective.
Which company or sector would you like to work with in?
I’d love to work on a bid for a big international event like a World’s Fair or the Olympic Games (yes, in my spare time you can often find me reading previous Olympic bids!)
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my partner Clare and we can often be found hiking near our home in Sussex or playing board games. I’m also a big cricket fan and enjoy reading and travelling.
Do you have a favourite quote/or saying?
Mistakes are the portals of discovery – James Joyce