3069 Antenna Building Replacement Passenger Lift

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

3 minute read  •  Updated September 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

Don't get lost in the mechanics

When you think about lift replacements, it's easy to get bogged down in the technical details.

Yes, the design and installation are important.

But Nottingham Trent University is looking for more than that.

They're looking for a partner who understands the significance of this lift in the Confetti Antenna Building.

An institution known for its creative and digital industries.

The contract covers the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a new rear traction passenger lift.

From 24 October to 18 December 2026.

Think about the people using the lift

This isn't just about machinery or engineering.

Think about the students, staff and visitors who will rely on this lift every day.

It's not just a piece of equipment.

It's a key component in ensuring accessibility and smooth operation of the building.

Consider their needs.

Reliability.

Safety.

Smooth operation without disruption to the building's daily activities.

Pay attention to what they say

The notice is clear.

Quality is crucial.

A £150,000 project for a lift isn't just about price.

They want value.

They're not obliged to accept the lowest price.

This means your response must focus on how you deliver quality.

Not just in the final product.

But throughout the entire process.

Evidence over promises

Nottingham Trent University will have heard it all before.

Promises of excellence.

Commitments to quality.

But what they really want is evidence.

If I were writing this tender, I'd include:

  • Case studies of similar lift installations
  • Testimonials from previous clients
  • Details of your quality assurance processes
  • Examples of how you've managed challenges in past projects
  • Certifications and industry standards you meet

Evidence always beats promises.

Highlight your project management skills

This is a tight schedule.

From late October to mid-December.

There's no room for delays.

I'd want to see a detailed project plan.

One that outlines every phase.

From design to commissioning.

Show how you manage timelines.

Mitigate risks.

And ensure seamless coordination with the university's operations.

Remember the importance of communication

Good communication can make or break a project.

Especially one with such a defined timeline.

Explain how you keep stakeholders informed.

How you handle updates and unforeseen issues.

And how you ensure that everyone is on the same page.

This reassures Nottingham Trent University that you're not just delivering a lift.

You're delivering a hassle-free experience.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself

This lift isn't just another project.

It's part of a vibrant university environment.

Supporting the daily flow of creative minds.

Every decision you make should reflect that understanding.

How will this lift enhance the building's functionality?

How does it support the university's mission?

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Focus too heavily on technical jargon without context
  • Overlook the specific needs of the building's users
  • Neglect to provide evidence of past successes
  • Fail to present a clear timeline for the project
  • Ignore the importance of communication and stakeholder management
  • Offer price-focused responses without addressing quality
  • Lack detail on how disruptions will be minimised

My Final Thoughts

Nottingham Trent University isn't just looking for an engineering solution.

They're looking for a partner who understands the role this lift plays in their Confetti Antenna Building.

A project valued at £150,000 with a focus on quality over price.

Your written submission must reflect that.

The importance of reliability, communication and evidence cannot be overstated.

Thanks for reading.

I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

P.S. - Got a Question?

If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.

Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.

kim@bidtrawler.com

Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?

View the opportunity on BidTrawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.

View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on BidTrawler →

Thanks for reading.

I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

P.S. Got a question?

If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.

Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.

kim@bidtrawler.com

Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?

View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.

View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →
About our "How to Win This Contract" guides

Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.

More live contract guides

See all guides