Provision of Security & Stewarding Services
A practical guide to understanding what Hull City Council really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about the people, not just the buildings
When I look at Hull City Council's tender for security and stewarding, one thing stands out.
This isn't just about guarding assets.
It's about protecting people.
In every building and at every event, your role is to ensure safety for the workforce, tenants and the public.
The contract covers two lots: events and property security. Lot 1 focuses on stewarding for events, with an estimated annual value of £350,000. Lot 2 deals with security for property and buildings, valued at approximately £450,000 annually. These are distinct needs and should be addressed as such in your submission.
Don't just focus on the mechanics
Most bidders will detail the basics: patrols, monitoring and incident reporting.
But Hull City Council is looking for more.
I'd be thinking beyond the obvious.
How will your team handle unexpected situations?
Are they trained to de-escalate potential conflicts?
What measures do you have in place to ensure seamless communication during large events?
Answers that go beyond the surface will stand out.
Pay attention to what they say
Hull City Council mentions a "corporate wide requirement."
This tells me consistency is key.
Your submission should explain how you provide uniform service across different sites and events.
They've split the contract into two lots for a reason.
They are clear about needing distinct approaches for events and buildings.
Show them you've understood this by tailoring your response to each lot's specific demands.
Evidence always beats promises
Promises are easy to make.
Evidence is what convinces.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see:
- Examples of past events secured successfully
- Testimonials from previous clients
- Data on response times and incident resolutions
- Details of staff training programmes
- Case studies showing problem-solving capabilities
Real evidence sets you apart from the competition.
Keep an eye on contract management
This contract runs for three years, potentially extending to four.
Consistency is crucial.
How will you maintain high standards over the entire term?
Consider staffing.
Not just numbers, but quality and retention.
What happens when someone calls in sick?
How do you cover annual leave?
Hull City Council will be looking for a partner who can deliver day in, day out.
Show how you'll make life easier for Hull City Council
Every service creates work for the client.
The best providers reduce it.
I'd be highlighting my management processes.
How do you ensure smooth communication with the Council?
What systems do you have in place to handle issues before they escalate?
Offer solutions that make their lives easier.
Don't underestimate the importance of local knowledge
Hull City Council is part of the Yorkshire and The Humber community.
Familiarity with the area can be a big advantage.
Do you know the local challenges?
Can you navigate the unique requirements of different venues?
Highlighting local expertise can give you an edge.
Remember who you're trying to convince
Ultimately, this contract is about protecting Hull City Council's reputation.
They want a partner who understands the importance of safeguarding the public and their assets.
If I were writing this tender, I'd be focusing on how my service protects their image as well as their people and property.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Ignore the distinction between events and property security
- Focus solely on technical capabilities without addressing people skills
- Lack evidence of past success
- Fail to explain how you'll maintain service levels over time
- Overlook the importance of local knowledge
- Don't provide clear communication plans
- Generalise instead of tailoring responses to each lot
- Miss out on demonstrating staff training and readiness
My Final Thoughts
Hull City Council is looking for more than just security services.
They want a partner who can step up and protect their people and assets with professionalism and reliability.
With an overall contract value of £800,000 over three years and the potential to extend to four, this is a significant opportunity.
And with both lots having their own estimated values, it's clear that quality matters.
Focus on the written submission, as it's likely to carry substantial weight in the evaluation process.
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.