But by ensuring you understand what makes an effective submission, you can produce a bid that has more chance of success, in less time.
Build your business knowledge
I don't just mean general market knowledge, but also your understanding of your own business. Only by having a strong grasp of your own strengths and capabilities, future trends and the needs of the market, can you provide flexible housing solutions on well-managed sites – something that is essential for securing funding.
Once you've identified your strengths and opportunities, you will be equipped to prioritise the bids you're going to make. This means no time is wasted on bids that have no chance of success.
All too often housing associations rule out schemes that they see as falling into niche markets. However, the main focus should be on identifying schemes that are sustainable, and if these happen to be in niche markets they shouldn't be ruled out so long as they fit within the established funding framework.
Never underestimate the power of your reputation in the bidding process. Companies known for promoting good practice at all levels are more likely to be trusted with funding than those with a slapdash approach to residents' needs.
Work with authorities
Building up a close working relationship with joint commissioning partnerships is a key factor. This all comes back to your reputation: if the local authority is familiar with you, knows how you work and is impressed by it, more opportunities will arise. You may be doing great work to meet regional housing strategies, but you need to let the key influencers know about this to encourage them to trust you and support you.
By building up a strong relationship with local authorities in this way, you are better-placed to seek out opportunities on a regular basis. By effectively using the planning system you can increase your chances of being picked for affordable housing, and if the local authority already associates your name with quality, dynamism and expertise, you will increase your chances of winning funding.
Understand procedures
Investing huge amounts of time into compiling a bid is pointless unless it meets corporation requirements. You have to know the correct procedure for submitting a bid, otherwise this will lead to extra effort when you have to make corrections and resubmit. Bids are generally processed online these days, so proper training is important.
Communication with the corporation has to take place on a regular basis. Procedures, rules and processes for funding and allocation change, and it's important to keep track. Always ensure you are registered to be able to bid, too. Specialist bids can be made through developing agents.
Be able to show your track record
Proving you are capable of delivering on time and within budget will make the local authority and Housing Corporation more likely to respond favourably to future bids. Housing associations that demonstrate efficiency, capability and innovation will be viewed much more favourably than those that have failed to impress in the past. Consistent quality is essential as just one mistake can mean you having to start all over again.
Finally, liaise with partnerships, contractors and developers to make sure you can keep your promises.
Quality through and through
In short, bidding successfully is not just about the bid itself. Your organisation's reputation is key, as is its relationships. Winning the bidding game needs the support of good practice and quality throughout the company, plus in-depth knowledge of your own capabilities and the market you're working in.
Source
Housing Today
Postscript
Nigel Graham is development and divestment manager at Northern Counties Housing Association
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