In episode 79 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about aiming to secure work in a competitive market. Jacob tackles common bidding challenges, stressing the importance of crafting compelling bids that emphasise unique value propositions. He covers key topics such as writing effective bids by tailoring them to client needs and showcasing competitive advantages. Additionally, he discusses identifying and pricing risks through thorough risk assessments to prevent underbidding. Jacob also highlights the significance of tracking material prices and labor rates to stay updated on market conditions for accurate pricing. Furthermore, he advises using past experiences by leveraging data from previous projects to inform future bids and emphasises leveraging niche expertise to highlight specialised skills for a competitive edge.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Challenges faced by subcontractors when bidding for projects
• Importance of writing effective and tailored bids
• Utilising niche expertise to gain a competitive edge
• Leveraging past project experiences to improve bid accuracy
• The significance of showcasing unique value propositions in bids
• Identifying and accurately pricing project risks

BEST MOMENTS:

"Winning a project isn't just about one job; it's about building relationships with main contractors and their project managers."

"Consider how each project can build your reputation, bring you more expertise, and help you strengthen your market position."

"Develop a standard tender checklist that should cover everything from reviewing the main contract conditions to the spec, the scope, and the program."

"Using past experience to inform your bids is vital; if you're not analysing that to refine your future bids, you're missing out on a huge learning opportunity."

"Bidding isn't about winning at any cost; it's about winning profitably and sustainably."

Link to the Cost Reporting Episode Mentioned in this Episode

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

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