SECURITY SERVICES ON BEHALF OF HINCKLEY AND BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Remember whom you're really securing
This tender isn't just about guarding buildings.
It's about safeguarding the people within them.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is looking for a partner who can not only provide security but also create a welcoming and safe environment for visitors, staff and partners.
The contract includes manned security at the Hinckley Hub and occasionally at other sites in the borough.
It involves more than just standing guard.
Think about the customer-focused approach
Security here isn't just about vigilance.
It's about customer care.
You'll be expected to deliver security services with a professional, customer-focused approach.
This means not just preventing incidents but also enhancing the visitor experience.
I know that sounds a bit unusual for a security role, but it's crucial.
The importance of flexibility
The council needs flexibility.
You'll be required to provide security for evening meetings and events on an ad-hoc basis.
This means your team will need to be adaptable.
Explain how you'll manage these variations without compromising your core services.
Buyers want to know you can handle changes smoothly.
Evidence always beats promises
When I worked in the public sector, I noticed that claims of great service were common.
But evidence was rare.
Use evidence of past performance to support your claims.
Consider including:
- Testimonials from previous clients
- Case studies of similar contracts
- Performance metrics demonstrating your reliability
Pay attention to what they say
The council is trying a new schedule for one guard, starting at 08:00, as part of a trial.
This is specifically to assist NHS patients at reception.
This trial is a significant point.
It shows the buyer's willingness to adapt based on community needs.
Your bid should reflect an understanding of this and a willingness to be part of such initiatives.
Don't underestimate the concierge aspect
Security isn't just about preventing threats.
The role includes meet and greet duties.
This means your guards must be personable and helpful.
Communicate how your team will balance security with customer service.
Buyers will appreciate strategies that show you value both roles equally.
Show how you'll maintain consistency
Consistency is key in long-term contracts.
This contract runs for three years, with a possible extension to five.
You need to demonstrate how you'll maintain high standards throughout.
Consider addressing:
- Staff rotation and training
- Handling absences or emergencies
- Regular performance reviews
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
You're not just guarding a building.
You're guarding the reputation of the Council.
Every interaction your team has reflects on them.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my service will enhance the Council's image.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the importance of customer care
- Ignore the flexible nature of the contract
- Fail to provide evidence of past success
- Neglect the trial schedule change
- Downplay the concierge duties
- Assume security is only about preventing incidents
My Final Thoughts
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is looking for more than just a security provider.
They want a partner who can deliver a professional, customer-focused service that enhances the visitor experience.
With a contract value of £130,000 over three years and potentially five, quality matters.
The council's emphasis on customer care and flexibility means your written submission must highlight how you balance these with security.
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.