Onward Group Limited - Print Management Services
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about what Onward is really buying
Onward Group Limited isn't just looking for a print management service.
They're looking for a partner to help them transform the way they manage documents and communications.
From print to digital, and everything in between.
This contract covers a broad range of services—print management, mailing, digital solutions, document storage and more.
But the real focus is on improving productivity, enhancing digital capabilities and reducing costs.
That's what you'll need to demonstrate in your response.
Don't get lost in the technical details
Yes, the contract includes a comprehensive list of services.
But don't just regurgitate these in your bid.
Most bidders will focus on the mechanics—how they'll handle print production, mailing or document formatting.
Instead, think about the outcomes these services should achieve.
Improved workflow.
Stronger information governance.
Reduced environmental impact.
These are the themes I'd weave through my submission.
Pay attention to what they say
Onward is clear about their priorities.
"Improve productivity, workflow and operational control."
"Achieve value for money and reduce avoidable cost."
"Increase digital print and digital communication capability."
These are direct quotes from the tender.
Your response should reflect these objectives, with a focus on how you'll deliver them.
Show how you'll make life easier for Onward
This is where many bidders fall short.
Onward isn't just looking for a supplier—they want a partner who'll make their life easier.
How can you streamline processes to save them time and hassle?
What management information and reporting will you provide?
How will you ensure service continuity and resilience?
Think about these questions as you draft your response.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that bidders often relied on promises.
But evidence carries more weight.
Showcase your track record with similar contracts.
Provide examples of how you've delivered digital transformation or cost savings.
Offer case studies or testimonials that back up your claims.
Evidence always beats promises.
Remember the human element
Yes, this is a technical contract.
But it's also about communication—connecting with Onward's tenants and stakeholders.
How will you help improve customer engagement?
How will you support residents who still need paper communications?
Keep the end users in mind as you craft your response.
Don't underestimate service optimisation
Onward talks about "continuous improvement, innovation and Service optimisation."
This isn't just a tick-box exercise.
They want a partner who's proactive, who'll constantly look for ways to enhance the service.
I'd highlight any tools, technologies or processes that support optimisation.
And I'd demonstrate a commitment to innovation throughout the contract term.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This contract is about more than just providing a service.
It's about aligning with Onward's business needs, now and in the future.
How will you adapt to their changing requirements?
How will you support their growth and evolving communication strategies?
That's the question I'd keep in mind as I wrote my bid.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on print mechanics without addressing digital transformation
- Lack evidence of past success or innovation
- Overlook the importance of service continuity and resilience
- Fail to address environmental impact and sustainability
- Ignore the need for collaboration and partnership with Onward
- Miss the opportunity to showcase how you'll improve customer engagement
My Final Thoughts
Onward Group Limited is looking for a partner, not just a supplier.
A partner who can deliver a seamless blend of print and digital communication solutions.
A partner who can help them improve productivity, reduce costs and enhance customer engagement.
The contract is valued at £2,750,000 over three years, with the potential to extend to five.
The annual budget is £550,000, but remember—quality matters.
Your written submission will be key in demonstrating your ability to meet their objectives and drive value for money.
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.