Repairs and Maintenance Service (RMS) - Utterby Side Garage Site Demolition (CRN/2026/289)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
It's not just demolition — it's site transformation
The biggest clue in this tender is what Stoke-on-Trent City Council really wants.
Yes, you're demolishing 40 garages.
But the council isn't just looking for a contractor to knock down walls.
They're looking for someone who can transform a site safely and efficiently, leaving it ready for future development or use.
The contract covers the demolition of 40 brick and concrete garages, along with any associated works, all at a single site within Stoke-on-Trent.
Pay attention to what they say
Stoke-on-Trent City Council makes it clear that the Repairs and Maintenance Service (RMS) will be the Principal Contractor.
This isn't just about doing the work — it's about collaborating with RMS to ensure everything runs smoothly.
They've got their eyes on safety, coordination and effective communication.
If I were bidding, I'd focus on how I would work closely with RMS.
Show them how you'll keep them informed and part of the process.
Don't overlook the human element
Remember, while the buildings are the focus, it's the people involved who matter.
The council's team, local residents and any other stakeholders will be watching closely.
I'd want to reassure them that the demolition will be handled professionally and with minimal disruption.
Think about noise, dust and access.
Show how you'll manage these to keep everyone happy.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that everyone promises a lot.
Very few back it up with solid evidence.
If you've successfully completed similar projects, now's the time to showcase that.
- Case studies of past demolitions
- Testimonials from previous clients
- Safety records and incident reports
- Project timelines and how you met them
Evidence carries more weight than words.
Think about what happens after the demolition
It's easy to focus on the demolition itself.
But what about after the last garage is down?
The council will be thinking about the site's future.
Will it be safe and ready for their next steps?
Make sure you outline how you'll leave the site.
Clean, secure and ready for whatever's next.
Consistency is key
Over the duration of the project, maintaining high standards is crucial.
Think about staffing.
What happens if someone falls ill or needs time off?
I'd want to see a clear plan for ensuring the work continues smoothly.
Regular inspections, performance reviews and contingency plans all matter.
Show them how you'll keep everything on track.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Throughout the process, it's easy to get lost in the technicalities.
But I'd keep coming back to one question:
"How does my work make the council's job easier?"
This contract is about more than just demolition.
It's about freeing up the council to focus on their priorities, not worrying about potential issues on site.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Ignore the role of RMS as Principal Contractor
- Fail to address site safety and coordination
- Overlook the impact on local residents
- Promise without providing evidence
- Neglect planning for unexpected staff absences
- Focus solely on demolition, not site readiness
- Miss the importance of communication with RMS
- Underestimate the need for a clean handover
My Final Thoughts
What Stoke-on-Trent City Council is really looking for is someone who can handle this project with a sense of partnership.
The contract is valued at £100,000, covering work from late April to mid-June 2027.
Quality and reliability will be key.
Make sure your submission reflects an understanding of the council's needs and your ability to deliver.
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.
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.