Growth Hub Website
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think beyond just building a website
When I see a tender for a website, it's easy to assume they're just looking for technical expertise.
But the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is after something more.
They're looking for a partner who understands their mission to support local businesses.
The contract covers the design, development and implementation of a new Growth Hub website.
But it’s not just about coding.
It's about creating a platform that businesses will find genuinely useful.
Pay attention to what they say
The Combined Authority is clear about their priorities.
They want a website that serves as a resource hub for local businesses.
Think about the functionalities that would make a real difference.
Things like easy navigation, accessible resources and interactive features that engage users.
They’re not just asking for a pretty interface.
They're asking for a tool that will actively support economic growth in the region.
Don't overlook the user experience
Yes, you need to deliver a functional site.
But if I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for how user-friendly the final product will be.
How will businesses interact with the website?
Is the design intuitive?
Does it load quickly?
Remember, a growth hub is a lifeline for businesses looking for support.
Make sure the site is easy to use for everyone, regardless of their tech skills.
Show you understand the local landscape
Yorkshire and The Humber isn't just a location.
It's a region with its own unique economic challenges and opportunities.
If I were writing this tender, I'd show how familiar I am with the local business environment.
How will the website reflect and support the specific needs of businesses in this area?
That local understanding could be the edge that sets you apart.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder promised to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence of past successes, use it.
- Case studies of similar projects
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Data that shows your sites improve engagement or traffic
These are the things that will make your bid stand out.
Think about long-term support
Building the website is just the start.
The Combined Authority will want to know how you plan to support the website once it’s live.
What happens if a problem arises?
How will you ensure the site stays current and relevant?
Think about offering ongoing support and updates.
They'll want to know you’re in it for the long haul, not just the initial build.
Remember who you're trying to convince
Ultimately, your job is to reassure the Combined Authority that you're the right partner.
That you understand their goals and can deliver a solution that meets them.
Keep that in mind with every answer you write.
Your expertise is important, but so is your ability to align with their vision.
Keep standards high throughout
Consistency is key.
The website needs to perform well every day, without fail.
If I were writing this submission, I'd focus on how I maintain high standards over the whole contract term.
How will you handle updates, security patches and user feedback?
Show that you have a plan to keep the website running smoothly long after it's launched.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too much on technical jargon
- Ignore the specific needs of Yorkshire and The Humber businesses
- Lack evidence of past successes
- Overlook user experience in favour of design
- Fail to address long-term support and maintenance
- Overpromise without a clear delivery plan
- Neglect to show familiarity with the local economic landscape
- Offer generic solutions that aren’t tailored to this project
My Final Thoughts
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority isn’t just looking for a web developer.
They’re looking for a partner who can help drive economic growth in the region.
With a contract value of £90,000 over 17 months, this is a significant opportunity.
Quality will be key, as they need a website that truly supports their mission.
Focus on how your solution will meet their specific needs and you'll be on the right track.
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.