The task of converting all those pages of IFA jargon and voluminous annexes into some sort of meaningful training experience has begun in earnest. I have just about “cleared my desk” of routine stuff and can now concentrate on the procurement round.
The content is such that we have split it into 2 webinars which we are running Thursday and Friday this week – if there is demand we will redo them next. If you cant make either you can get a recording.
Quickly, as per the headline, are a few observations:
This is a different, more demanding, bid round than before.
Start work soon – we are getting a sense of people thinking that it is something which can be done easily in mid January – we would caution against this.
Make the big decisions even sooner – are we to bid, do we only want to be a delivery partner, is it time to buy a chip shop?
You might find the easiest way to understanding it to start on the e-portal and then seek detailed clarification in the documents. This saves trying to comprehend extraneous points e.g. cash flows and business plans when you are an established business.
The SQM/Lexcel clock is also ticking, you cannot delay if the latter is your preferred option.
There are obviously loads of other tips to pass on such as talking to your accountants about the financial assessment forms and getting a DP agreement drafted asap, there is however not enough time or space to cover this here.
