Tax Consultancy Support
A practical guide to understanding what Thirteen Housing Group really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't just focus on tax expertise
Yes, Thirteen Housing Group is looking for tax consultancy support.
But that's not the whole story.
They're looking for a partner who understands their mission to improve lives in the communities they serve.
The contract covers providing tax consultancy services to Thirteen, with a budget of £180,000.
But what they're really buying is peace of mind and strategic advice that aligns with their social mission.
Think about the communities Thirteen serves
Thirteen isn't just a housing provider.
They own and manage 35,000 properties across the North East and Yorkshire.
Their focus is on providing homes and support that help people grow.
If I were writing this tender, I'd emphasise how my tax advice could directly benefit the communities Thirteen supports.
Your response should show you understand their local responsiveness and commitment to addressing social, economic and environmental issues.
Show how you'll make life easier for Thirteen
This is often overlooked.
Thirteen needs a partner who reduces the burden on their team, not adds to it.
I'd want to see clear processes for communication, reporting and collaboration.
Explain how your consultancy will integrate with their existing operations without creating friction.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that every bidder claimed to be the best.
But very few could back it up.
If you have testimonials or case studies from similar organisations, use them.
- Demonstrate successful outcomes from past projects
- Provide metrics that show tangible benefits
- Share client feedback highlighting your reliability
- Offer examples of proactive problem-solving
Evidence always carries more weight than promises.
Pay attention to what they say
Thirteen is clear about their priorities.
They're the largest housing provider in the North East, but they emphasise being locally responsive.
This isn't just about numbers.
It's about understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in the communities they serve.
Your response should reflect this local focus and demonstrate how your insights can help them address these challenges.
Don't underestimate the importance of strategic alignment
Thirteen's mission is deeply rooted in social responsibility.
They want a partner who shares this commitment.
I'd align my tax strategies with their broader goals, showing how effective tax planning can support their mission.
Talk about how you can help them optimise their resources to reinvest in their communities.
Holding standards over the whole term
Consistency is key.
Thirteen will want to know that your service quality won't dip over time.
Explain how you manage staff turnover, training and quality assurance.
- Detail your approach to ongoing staff development
- Describe your procedures for maintaining high standards
- Outline your contingency plans for unexpected challenges
This reassures them that you're a reliable partner for the duration of the contract.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
The people living in Thirteen's homes are at the heart of everything they do.
Every piece of advice you give should be tested against this question:
"How will this decision impact the people Thirteen serves?"
Keep this front and centre in your response to show that you're not just offering tax advice, but supporting Thirteen's wider mission.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on technical tax details without context
- Ignore the social aspect of Thirteen's mission
- Fail to demonstrate local knowledge and engagement
- Lack evidence of past successes with similar clients
- Overlook the importance of seamless integration
- Provide generic solutions instead of tailored advice
My Final Thoughts
Thirteen Housing Group isn't just looking for tax advice.
They're seeking a partner who understands their commitment to improving lives.
With a contract value of £180,000, it's clear they prioritise quality and alignment with their mission over simply finding the cheapest option.
That means your written submission needs to be strong.
Focus on how your services support their goals and provide tangible benefits to their communities.
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.