In this episode of the Go4Growth Podcast, Louise and Lauren explore the growing importance of Social Value and how organisations can use procurement to deliver wider economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Joining the discussion is Lynsey from Nexus Multi-Academy Trust, who shares the story of an innovative Social Value project that transformed an unused space into a fully functioning café. Delivered through collaboration with suppliers and supported by Social Value commitments, the project has created meaningful work experience opportunities for students while strengthening community connections across the Trust.

Through this real-life case study, the episode highlights how effective procurement can deliver far more than goods and services, creating lasting positive impact for individuals, organisations, and communities.

From perceptions of procurement as “box-ticking” and bureaucratic, to the reality of balancing fairness, value, risk, relationships, and outcomes, this conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of public sector procurement and the people working within it.

With a relaxed and honest conversation, Lauren and Louise discuss the pressures faced on all sides of the process and why understanding, transparency, and collaboration are essential to making procurement work well.

This episode is a reminder that behind every process, bid, and procurement decision are people trying to achieve the best possible outcomes for the communities they serve.

To find out more about Go4Growth and how we could support your organisation, visit Go4Growth or email us at support@go4growth.co.uk

In this episode of the Go4Growth Podcast, Lauren and Louise explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in bid writing and tender submissions.

Using a series of light-hearted “Bid Blunder Files”, they highlight some of the most common mistake’s organisations make when relying too heavily on AI — from American spellings and invented achievements to generic responses and tone inconsistencies.

While AI can be a powerful tool to support bid writing, the episode explains why it should never replace your organisation’s real knowledge, experience, and authenticity. Lauren and Louise share practical tips on how to use AI responsibly, safely, and effectively when preparing tender responses — helping you avoid common pitfalls and submit stronger, more credible bids.

Top Tips from the Episode

1. Always review AI content carefully

AI-generated responses should never be submitted without thorough review and editing. Treat AI as a starting point, not the finished answer.

2. Check for American spelling and terminology

UK public sector buyers quickly notice American spellings like organization, center, or optimization. Always run a British English check before submitting.

3. Never trust AI with facts about your organisation

AI can confidently invent awards, statistics, services, or history. Always verify every claim and ensure you can evidence anything included in your bid.

4. Replace generic wording with real examples

AI responses can sound professional but vague. Strengthen answers by including specific examples, local context, and real outcomes from your organisation.

5. Be cautious of copyrighted or sourced material

AI can unintentionally reproduce or paraphrase copyrighted guidance, frameworks, or policy content. Always ensure you own or can reference the material used.

6. Keep the tone clear and consistent

AI can switch between corporate jargon and overly dramatic language. Aim for clear, professional, practical writing suitable for public sector evaluators.

7. Give AI the right information to work from

The best results come when you feed AI accurate facts, real examples, and key points first — then ask it to help structure or refine your content.

8. Use AI as support, not a replacement

AI works best for:

• Structuring responses
• Turning bullet points into narrative
• Editing for clarity or word limits

But it should never replace your expertise, evidence, or organisational story.

9. Always check tender rules on AI use

Some contracting authorities restrict or prohibit AI use in bid submissions. Always read the tender instructions carefully before using AI tools.

In this episode, Lauren and Louise go behind the scenes of the bidding process to share what buyers actually look for when scoring submissions. Drawing on real evaluation experience, they unpack common mistakes, practical tips, and simple changes that can help suppliers write clearer, stronger, and more scorable bids.

Ideal for SMEs, VCSEs, and anyone navigating public sector procurement.

• The bidding process
• Enhanced transparency
• MEAT vs MAT
• Supplier performance and contract management
• The Central Digital Platform
• Dynamic markets and frameworks

Gillian discusses how the Act will change things for smaller businesses, looking at what the current challenges and barriers are and the impact that the Act will have. There are lots of reasons for real optimism that Gillian explores discussing the positives of change for smaller organisations. 

There is also information on how to get prepared for the changes in the regulations with some guidance for both procurement and the marketplace about how barriers to entry and growth can be removed. 

Episode 13 see's your usual hosts, Gill and Lauren discuss Procurement Reform. The pair discuss the changes expected to come as the Procurement Act 2023 comes into play and how providers to the public sector can prepare for these changes and make the most of resources available.

In addition to procurement reform, Gill and Lauren introduce Go4Growths latest social media venture, Tik Tok. Tune into the podcast to find out more about our plans for Tik Tok or simply find us on the platform @go4growth .

To stay up to date with Go4Growth events visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/go4growth-34413476799  

This time, Gill chats to Mike Fairbotham and Paul Smith about their careers in procurement, how they got into it and the kinds of changes they’ve both seen in our profession over the years. The group also talked about what still needs to change to really elevate procurement and to make sure it is fit for the world we live in both now and in the future.

Connect with Mike and Paul on Linked In:

Paul Smith: linkedin.com/in/pdsmith

Mike Fairbotham: linkedin.com/in/mikefairbotham

https://getpurpose.ly/

If you would like to know more about becoming a Go4Growth client, please feel free to get in touch at gill@go4growth.co.uk. Equally if you’re a provider and would like our help or support, you can get in touch at lauren@go4growth.co.uk.

We’re starting close to home with Gill & Lauren from Go4Growth. Gill’s been in Procurement for nearly 30 years and so has seen much change over that time. She’ll share her experiences of being a woman in Procurement in what was a male dominated profession, working also in male dominated industries and how the gender balance landscape is slowly changing. Gillian’s passionate about widening participation so we’ll chat about her views on how Procurement should be visible and accessible to all as a career option. Lauren is new into profession and has chosen the apprenticeship route as access. We’ll be exploring how she’s finding it and her views on what it’s really like versus her perception of it prior to joining. We’ll explore with Lauren from this early career viewpoint, what changes she might like to see in the profession and we’ll chat about how future life and work plans may not always feel like they can co-exist.

If you’re in procurement, or want to get into the profession or you might have left it (for any reason) and would like to join in the conversation on one of our podcasts, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from. You can do so via the usual channels – lauren@go4growth.co.uk or gill@go4growth.co.uk or you can fill out our contact form on our website www.go4growth.co.uk