Asset Management and Property Management
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think strategically about Blackpool Town Centre
This tender isn't just about managing properties.
It's about the broader vision for Blackpool Town Centre.
Yes, you'll be managing retail assets.
But the real focus is on maximising performance and supporting the Council's future development plans.
That's what I'd keep in mind when crafting your response.
Blackpool Council is looking for a partner to manage their retail assets, including the Houndshill Shopping Centre and other prime locations like the Victoria Buildings and Marks & Spencer premises.
Understand the community impact
Remember what these assets mean to the community.
They're more than just buildings.
They're vital parts of Blackpool's economy and social fabric.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see how you appreciate the role these sites play in the town's vibrancy and how your management can enhance that.
Don't just manage. Enhance.
Managing the assets is only part of the job.
The Council is clear: they want to "maintain and enhance income."
It's not enough to simply keep things ticking over.
Your submission should detail proactive strategies to boost revenue and improve asset performance.
Think about innovative leasing strategies, potential refurbishments or targeted marketing campaigns.
Evidence of collaboration
This tender allows for joint bids, which is a unique opportunity.
But, if you're going this route, the Council expects evidence of successful past collaborations.
List previous projects where you've worked with other organisations and the outcomes achieved.
Real examples speak volumes.
Pay attention to what they say
The Council is explicit about the importance of reporting.
Regular updates on asset performance and financial data are critical.
In your bid, outline how you'll provide timely, accurate reports.
What systems will you use?
How will you ensure data integrity?
This is crucial, as they want to see how you'll support their Houndshill Steering Group and meet reporting requirements.
Make life easier for the Council
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that clients value suppliers who reduce their workload.
Explain your management processes.
How will you ensure seamless operations?
What measures will you take to handle issues before they escalate?
The smoother you make things for the Council, the more appealing your bid will be.
Focus on the long term
The contract could run for up to ten years.
Consistency is key.
How will you maintain high standards throughout the term?
Think about staff turnover, training and performance reviews.
Highlight your strategy for continuous improvement and adapting to any changes in the market or local context.
Liaison with stakeholders
The Council wants collaboration with other town centre stakeholders.
Your bid should demonstrate how you'll work with these groups to support initiatives that enhance the visitor experience.
Consider examples of past stakeholder engagement and the positive outcomes achieved.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the strategic focus on Blackpool Town Centre
- Fail to provide evidence of past successful collaborations
- Lack detail on proactive asset management strategies
- Ignore the importance of regular, detailed reporting
- Do not address long-term consistency and performance
- Neglect stakeholder collaboration and engagement
- Provide generic responses that don't reflect the specific context
- Miss the opportunity to outline innovative revenue-enhancing ideas
My Final Thoughts
Blackpool Borough Council isn't just looking for an asset manager.
They're seeking a strategic partner to help shape the future of Blackpool Town Centre.
The contract is valued at £1,800,000 over five years, with potential extensions.
With the Council's emphasis on quality, your written submission needs to be strong.
Focus on how you can enhance the community's assets and provide value beyond the basics.
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.
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.
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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.