The verdict in three sentences
A public buyer torn between two close bids will check your website: in our conversations with council and NHS procurement teams, around 70% do so before award. A site built for public procurement costs EUR 6,000 to 15,000 (about GBP 5,200 to 13,000) and showcases references sorted by buyer type, your certifications and up-to-date supplier documents. Against the cost of a lost bid, often EUR 3,000 to 8,000 of writing time, the investment pays off by the second contract.
What public buyers actually look at on your site
The method statement says what you promise, the website shows what you have already delivered. Buyers at councils, housing associations, NHS trusts or central government want to reduce risk: a supplier that delivers late or fails costs them a new procurement and a dispute.
| Checkpoint | Buyer's question | Expected answer on the site |
|---|---|---|
| Similar references | Have they worked for a body like ours? | References filterable by buyer type and value |
| Certifications | Are ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Constructionline, Cyber Essentials valid? | Certifications page with expiry dates |
| Capacity | Headcount, turnover, equipment? | Key figures, dated 2025 |
| Location | Can they respond quickly in our area? | Map of offices and coverage zones |
| Supplier documents | Insurance, financial standing, policies | Documents area aligned with your supplier profile |
| Social value | Social and environmental commitments | Measured commitments, carbon reduction plan |
| Accessibility | Does the site follow good practice? | Accessibility statement and WCAG 2.2 AA work |
Under the Procurement Act 2023, live since February 2025, suppliers register core information on the Central Digital Platform, the UK counterpart of the French DUME. The site does not replace it, but it lets buyers verify in one click what you declared: headcount, turnover, references from the last three years.
2026 budget: what a procurement-ready site costs
| Item | Local SME (10 to 50 staff) | Regional mid-size firm (50 to 250 staff) |
|---|---|---|
| Total budget excl. VAT (2026 estimate) | EUR 6,000 to 9,000 | EUR 10,000 to 15,000 |
| Reference pages | 15 to 30 sheets | 50+ sheets, advanced filters |
| Sorting by buyer | Council, county, housing association | Plus NHS, central government, filters by value |
| Certifications page | Included | Included with expiry alerts |
| Basic accessibility audit | EUR 1,200 | EUR 2,500 |
| Documents area | Public links | Secure area with temporary links |
| Delivery time | 6 to 8 weeks | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Yearly maintenance | EUR 900 to 1,500 | EUR 1,800 to 3,000 |
The real cost of a lost bid
Answering a tender ties up skilled time. A website that tips even one award a year changes the equation.
| Type of procedure | Average response time | Estimated internal cost | Average contract value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below-threshold works | 2 to 3 days | EUR 1,500 to 2,500 | EUR 60,000 |
| Below-threshold services | 3 to 5 days | EUR 2,500 to 4,000 | EUR 120,000 |
| Open procedure | 8 to 15 days | EUR 6,000 to 12,000 | EUR 450,000 |
| Multi-year framework | 10 to 20 days | EUR 8,000 to 15,000 | EUR 900,000 over 4 years |
| Maintenance contract | 3 to 4 days | EUR 2,000 to 3,500 | EUR 80,000 a year |
On a tender weighted 60% on quality, one or two points often decide the winner. Visible, verifiable references weigh on that score, especially at clarification or presentation stage.
Mini case study
Catherine runs a 32-person building services SME near Bristol. She bids on 30 below-threshold tenders a year, wins 6, with an average value of EUR 95,000 and a 7% net margin. Each bid costs her about EUR 2,200 of internal time, EUR 66,000 a year.
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She invests EUR 8,500 in a site with 25 references sorted by buyer type, her ISO and Constructionline credentials and an accessibility audit. If her win rate rises from 20% to 23.3% (one more award a year), she earns 95,000 × 7% = EUR 6,650 of margin and turns one more bid cost into revenue. Payback: about 15 months, then a net gain every year.
FAQ
Are public buyers allowed to consider the website?
They do not score the site, but they verify supplier information and the method statement. A consistent site builds credibility, an outdated one casts doubt on 100% of your claims.
How many references should we publish?
Aim for at least 15 from the last three years, with value, buyer and timeline. Beyond 30, add filters.
Should we display insurance and financial documents?
Preferably in an area shared by link, updated every 6 months. Buyers also pull them from the Central Digital Platform.
Is accessibility mandatory for an SME?
Not always legally, but buyers bound by the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations appreciate it. A basic audit costs EUR 1,200 to 2,500.
How long does a procurement-ready site take?
Plan 6 to 12 weeks, including 2 to 3 weeks to gather reference data.
Let's scope your project. Send us your 15 latest references and your certifications: we will price a procurement-ready site between EUR 6,000 and 15,000, delivered in 6 to 12 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
