Repairs and resurfacing of car park and road

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

2 minute read  •  Updated September 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

Think about what lies beneath the surface

This tender isn't just about resurfacing a car park and road.

It's about ensuring that the foundation is solid and built to last.

Broughton Parish Council is looking for a contractor who can deliver a reliable and durable solution.

Yes, the job involves removing existing tarmac and replacing it with a new surface.

But the real focus is on the groundwork.

The foundations.

The drainage.

The structural integrity of the site.

That's what you need to address.

Pay attention to what they say

Broughton Parish Council has laid out specific requirements for drainage and groundwork.

They mention "ACO drains" and "soakaway" several times.

This tells me they're worried about water management.

Flooding.

Drainage failures.

Your submission should detail how you'll manage water effectively and prevent future issues.

Emphasise your experience with drainage systems and how you ensure they work seamlessly with existing structures.

Remember the local context

This project is in the North East.

Weather can be unpredictable.

Cold, wet conditions could affect the work.

If I were writing this tender, I'd explain how my team plans for adverse weather.

How we keep the project on track regardless of the conditions.

Show that you understand the local climate and its challenges.

Evidence always beats promises

Everyone can say they'll deliver quality work.

Proving it is another matter.

I'd include evidence like:

  • Past projects with similar scope and scale
  • Client testimonials praising durability and reliability
  • Examples of successful drainage solutions
  • Photographic evidence of comparable work

The more tangible your evidence, the better.

Don't overlook the importance of timeline

This contract has a tight timeline: 1 December to 20 December 2026.

Time management will be crucial.

You need to demonstrate that you can complete the work within this period without compromising quality.

Describe your approach to scheduling and resource allocation.

How you ensure all materials and equipment are ready when needed.

Show your commitment to sustainability

The council asks for the reuse of existing concrete kerbs when feasible.

This isn't just a cost-saving measure.

It's a nod to sustainability.

Your response should highlight your commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

How you minimise waste.

Your experience with recycling and reusing materials in past projects.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself

This isn't just about laying tarmac.

It's about creating a safe, enduring environment for the community.

Every car park user and road traveller will rely on your work.

I'd keep asking myself, "Does this solution offer the best long-term safety and durability?"

Use this as a guiding principle for every part of your submission.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Ignore specific drainage requirements
  • Lack evidence of past successful projects
  • Fail to address sustainability practices
  • Overlook the importance of a solid foundation
  • Don't plan for adverse weather conditions
  • Ignore the tight project timeline
  • Provide generic responses without local context

My Final Thoughts

Broughton Parish Council is looking for more than just a surface fix.

They're seeking a contractor who understands the importance of groundwork and drainage in ensuring long-term durability.

With a contract value of £100,000 and a tight three-week timeline, your submission must focus on quality and efficient delivery.

Quality carries significant weight here.

That's what I'd emphasise in my response.

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.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

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.

kim@bidtrawler.com

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.

More live contract guides

See all guides