Articles
How a Fresh Set of Eyes Can Transform a Business
Artificial Intelligence in Bidding
How a Fresh Set of Eyes Can Transform a Business: Why I Love Being an External Consultant
Author: Craig Tee - July 2025
Every business hits a wall at some point, not through lack of ambition, but because you’re too close to see the opportunities. That’s where I come in. Being an external consultant isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to make a real, lasting impact. At CREM Business Solutions, I get to step into different businesses, spot what others might miss, and help unlock growth that clients didn’t even know was possible.
The Joy of Learning and Exploring
First and foremost, I love learning. I’ve always believed that the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing. Being an external consultant allows me to continuously expand my knowledge and understanding across countless sectors and industries.
One week I might be working with a manufacturing company analysing their pipeline processes, the next supporting a professional services firm with bid management, and then helping a retail business build a customer loyalty programme. No two businesses are the same, and that’s what keeps this job fresh and exciting.
Spotting Gaps and Opportunities
Spotting gaps in the market comes naturally to me. Often, businesses are so busy working in their business that they don’t have time to work on it. That’s where we come in. We bring a completely fresh set of eyes. We’re not tied down by “how things have always been done.” We objectively look at your business model, client base, and market to spot hidden opportunities for growth.
Quite often, we end up exploring completely different areas that weren’t previously considered, and we find success. Seeing a client implement a strategy we recommended and gain traction within weeks or months is incredibly rewarding.
Becoming a Cog Within Your Business
At CREM Business Solutions, we don’t come in to take over. We integrate ourselves as a cog within your business, understanding how you operate now, how you want to operate, and where you want to go.
We don’t bring off-the-shelf solutions. We tailor everything to you, working closely to identify, target, and close new business, improve processes, and build strategies that actually work. Seeing the trust our clients place in us to become part of their journey is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.
Flexible Support When You Need It
Hiring a full-time Business Development Manager is a huge commitment, and not every business can justify it. By partnering with CREM Business Solutions, you don’t need to pay a full-time BDM wage; we step in, get the job done, and step away when you want us to.
Some clients work with us monthly as their outsourced BDM function, others bring us in for specific projects like bid management or sales training. Some want us until the dust has settled after big changes, others just to kickstart momentum before taking it in-house. Nothing is too much or too little, we’re here to add value where you need it most.
The Trust and Support We’ve Received
Although CREM Business Solutions is still a relatively new business, the trust and support we’ve been given by the companies we’ve worked with has been incredible. When I set up CREM, I knew the concept would work, but seeing how quickly businesses have embraced us and allowed us to become part of their growth has been amazing. Every testimonial, referral, and repeat piece of work is validation that what we do makes a real difference.
Clients Across the North West and Overseas
We’ve built long-term relationships with clients across the North West, from Liverpool and Manchester to Preston and Blackpool, and also in other areas of the UK. But what excites me further is our international reach. We already have overseas clients, and it’s an incredible feeling to not just be working in GBP. Supporting global development strategies adds another layer to what we do and gives us broader insights to benefit all our clients.
Why I Love What I Do
Ultimately, what I love about being an external consultant is knowing I make a genuine difference. I wake up every day excited to meet incredible people and work collaboratively towards their goals. I get to combine analytical thinking with creative problem-solving, using my skills to spot opportunities and build strategies that work.
Above all, I get to be part of someone else’s success story. Seeing a business win a contract they never thought possible, expand into a new market, or build a confident team because of our work together – that’s why I do what I do.
And this is just the beginning. With the trust of our clients, our growing reputation, and our expanding reach, I can’t wait to see where the next few years take us.
If you’re wondering whether an external consultant could help your business, let’s have a chat. No obligations, no pushy sales approach, just an honest conversation about your goals and challenges. You might be surprised at the difference a fresh set of eyes can make.
Artificial Intelligence in Bids
Author: Emily Tee - July 2025
Since I have moved to the self-employed way of life, I have been increasing the amount of time I spend on LinkedIn; connecting with more people, widening my network and generally digesting all the useful information people are sharing.
You can’t scroll more than a few posts without running into the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Whether it’s being promoted, championed, questioned, or generating the post itself (we see you, em-dash! I used to love you, but I now fear people will think I’ve outsourced my punctuation to a robot), AI is absolutely everywhere.
I have already been using platforms like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot for basic admin tasks and research. But over the past month, I’ve taken a deeper dive into what AI could genuinely offer in the world of bidding, researching complete systems, accessible platforms, and basic AI companions in the day-to-day running of CREM.
Full Package Systems
I’ve worked with many of the leading bid management and content management systems over the last decade. Even then, some were dipping their toes into AI, using it to match content to FAQs and apply basic learning algorithms to improve how content was recommended. Back then, it was largely keyword-based; today, it has evolved considerably. They use context-aware learning models that adapt with every use, meaning they’re no longer just repeating the same rules you have programmed them to, they’re interpreting nuance. Shoutout to Qvidian and Loopio, who were blazing trails in this space long before it became the hot topic of LinkedIn.
Accessible but Tailored AI
Many of these solutions sit at the higher end of the budget spectrum, particularly for independent consultants or smaller teams, but there are more accessible AI platforms entering the market; tools being built specifically for the bid professional with a clear understanding of what exactly what need, as many of the developers are ex-bid professionals themselves. They focus on light-touch automation for common, repetitive tasks like completing basic RFPs in minutes and freeing us from the administrative burden when we’d rather be crafting a win strategy (or similar).
AI Companions
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the increasing relevance of Microsoft Copilot. For organisations already using Microsoft 365 Business, it’s a practical, affordable and secure entry point to leveraging AI capabilities. Its ability to link into your SharePoint means you can ask focused, leading questions based upon the files saved in your SharePoint, and get tailored, near-instant responses for initial RFP drafting. When used thoughtfully, it offers a real boost in agility without compromising data integrity.
I have found it fascinating just how much influence you can have over your AI companion’s outputs via the way you prompt it. If you’re after a warm and inviting tone for a marketing piece or a tightly structured, professional tone for a tender response using the NOSE method, most well-known AI systems can adapt to match your expectations AND your brand voice. Effectively, you can “train” AI to support your own, unique approach. There’s a whole world of prompt engineering and guide sheets out there, and while I’ve only scratched the surface, I can see a lot more potential with further study.
Final (or Initial) Thoughts
So, my initial investigations have shown me that this technology doesn’t replace what I do, it enhances it. As I move more deeply into consultancy, AI offers the potential to automate the ‘necessary but non-differentiating’ tasks and allow me to focus where I truly add value: strategy, leadership, storytelling, and commercial insight.
Expanding this thought process into the bidding industry, I also don’t foresee bidding becoming obsolete in the near future, which is something I’ve seen concern about in some of those demoting posts across LinkedIn. I actually see the role of the bid professional becoming more elevated. With AI handling the first draft, we then step in to shape it into something outstanding: client-centric, persuasive, and commercially sharp. On too many occasions, the role of the Bid Manager or Bid Writer has been reduced to an administrative role, however, with AI removing that element, the value that we add is only highlighted further. Anyone can produce a passable RFP response using AI, but it takes a skilled professional to craft a submission that reads as though it was built precisely for that client and delivers measurable value.
And let’s not forget, buyers are catching on. Many Public Sector organisations already expect us to disclose AI usage in our responses, so if we’re all using the same tools, it’s how we elevate beyond them that matters most and sets us apart.
I’ll close by sharing that I typed four em-dashes into this article… and backspaced each one, just to assure you that this was written by the fully human Emily Tee.
Why More Businesses are Turning to External Business Development in 2025 - and How CREM Business Solutions Can Help
Author: Craig Tee - June 2025
When I think back to being 17 years old and the first person hired for a new department at a legal publisher, I’m reminded how quickly an organisation’s needs can outgrow its existing systems. My role was to create frameworks that the firm could roll out to every new starter; the framework was never “done”. I was constantly refining processes as the team, department, and business evolved.
That early experience showed me just how important it is to build systems that support growth, whilst also being ready to adapt as things change. It’s a balance that’s more relevant than ever in 2025, which is why the role of the Business Development Manager (BDM), and particularly the external BDM, has become so vital.
Why More Firms are Leaning on External BDMs in 2025
Outsourced leadership has moved from the fringes to the forefront of strategic planning. Once seen as a stopgap for lean start-ups, the “rent-an-executive” model is now embraced by mid-market and enterprise-level firms seeking specialist expertise without the long-term cost. This shift reflects a broader recognition that agility and precision often matter more than sheer headcount.
At the same time, sales cycles have become more intricate and data driven. Research into outsourced sales teams underscores the value of leaders who can interpret multi-channel buying signals and convert them into scalable, repeatable strategies. It’s not just about closing deals anymore; it’s about crafting systems that learn and adapt with each client interaction.
Against this backdrop, boards are under mounting pressure to demonstrate swift returns. That’s where BD specialists shine. Deploying an experienced BDM for a focused initiative, whether it’s market entry, a product launch, or establishing a new partner programme, offers fast, measurable impact without the burden of a permanent overhead.
Why Hire an External BDM?
Bringing in an external BDM offers more than just a stopgap; it injects a fresh perspective which is not restricted by legacy thinking or internal politics. These professionals land with plug-and-play expertise, proven playbooks, deep networks, and performance benchmarks that shortcut the learning curve. Their impact is also financially flexible; contracts that scale up (and down) in accordance with revenue targets give leadership breathing room to invest smartly.
Most importantly, a high-performing external BDM doesn’t just deliver results, they uplift the internal team, leaving behind sharper skills and sustainable momentum.
How my Journey Shaped the CREM Business Solutions Approach
My career has crossed many different sectors, from health & fitness, landscape gardening to luxury retail, yet one thread ties it all together: building systems that help people succeed. Whether I was streamlining lead qualification for a fitness chain or coaching a sales team, my job satisfaction came from watching others hit milestones they once thought were out of reach.
CREM Business Solutions grew out of that passion. We act as an embedded, outsourced BD team that:
- Diagnoses gaps quickly; something that comes naturally to me after being refined over two decades of iteration.
- Implements agile revenue playbooks; I’ve implemented sales engines in wildly different markets so I can adapt best-practice processes to your context in weeks, not quarters.
Coaches your teams while winning new business; every engagement includes hands-on mentoring, so your internal talent levels up as the pipeline builds.
The Bottom Line
2025’s growth champions won’t be the companies with the biggest payrolls, they’ll be the ones that combine specialised expertise, data led decision making, and flexible resourcing. Hiring an external BDM is the fastest path to that trifecta.
At CREM Business Solutions, we don’t just talk strategy, we implement it, track it, and pass it on to your team. Whether you need help opening new revenue streams, refining your sales pipeline, or building confidence across your workforce, we’re here to make it happen.
If you’re ready to unlock your next stage of growth with the right support behind you, let’s have a conversation. Helping people and businesses thrive has always been my passion and that’s exactly what CREM Business Solutions was built to do.
Mastering the Bid Process for Competitive Advantage
Author: Emily Tee - June 2025
In today’s highly competitive business environment, securing new contracts through bidding requires more than just submitting an offer; it demands a strategic, well-structured approach to bid management. I have seen first-hand that clients who implement a comprehensive, end-to-end, bid management process increase their chances of success. It ensures their proposals are compelling, compliant, commercially viable, and most of all, meet their clients needs. This article provides a high-level overview of the end-to-end bid process.
Understanding the End-to-End Bid Process
Bid management is the structured process of preparing and submitting a high-quality, competitive proposal in response to a tender. A successful bid process involves multiple stages that ensure alignment with business goals, compliance with tender requirements, a mutually beneficial commercial offer, and the delivery of a persuasive and well-crafted proposal.
Key Stages of the Bid Process
Opportunity Qualification
The first step in the bid process is identifying a suitable opportunity and qualifying it. There are numerous stages of business development prior to this which must happen to make this stage worthwhile, specifically client relationship management and capture planning, both which lay the foundations for the bid process to be successful. To effectively qualify an opportunity, you must evaluate the client and the likely competition to determine whether they align with your organisation's strategic objectives and expertise, and that the necessary resources are available to complete both the tendering stage, and the actual contract. Pursuing tenders that have been effectively qualified, as well as having focused preparation with the client before tender release, will increase your likelihood of success.
Win Strategy Development
Once an opportunity has been qualified and confirmed as a ‘go’, developing a strong win strategy is essential. This involves defining win themes, unique selling propositions (USPs), and differentiators that set your organisation apart from its competitors. The strategy will be strengthened by including any content from pre-tender conversations with the client: showing the client that you understand their needs, and your organisation has specific solutions in place to respond to them. A clear win strategy helps to shape the proposal’s narrative, ensuring it resonates with the reader and makes it clear and transparent why they should choose you as their preferred supplier/provider.
Compliance & Requirement Analysis
All bid submissions must meet specific technical, legal, and regulatory requirements. It is integral to allocate specialist resource to meticulously review tender documentation to ensure full compliance. Failing to meet any aspect of the submission criteria could result in disqualification, making attention to detail a critical factor throughout the bid process.
Proposal Writing & Content Development
Crafting a compelling and well-structured proposal is at the heart of bid management. Your proposal response should address all compliance and evaluation criteria whilst effectively communicating your organisations’ value proposition, both whilst maintaining a client focus throughout. A mistake I have seen in many proposal submissions, is that it’s much easier to talk about your own organisation, your own solutions, and what you’ve done previously, rather than focusing on the client. This makes the proposal feel generic and untailored, which in turn, leaves the client feeling like they’re just another client. High-quality, tailored content, persuasive language, and clarity in solution, contribute to a winning bid which is focused on the client and meets their needs.
Pricing & Commercial Strategy
The financial aspect of a bid plays a crucial role in decision-making. Pricing must be competitive yet profitable, balancing cost efficiency with risk mitigation. As a general rule, not at bid release, you should have a good understanding of market trends, competitor pricing, and potential profitability. This knowledge can then be used to design an offer that appeals to both the client and their own financial interests, as well as delivering commercial benefits to your organisation too. This is also a good opportunity to circle-back to those early stage client conversations: what information did they give about budget? Was there a particular focus on quality or is it all about cost? Knowing your decision maker is integral to building a suitable commercial offer.
Submission Coordination
A well-managed bid process ensures that all elements - documents, approvals, and compliance checks – are reviewed and completed well before submission. Ideally, this should be completed a minimum of two days prior to submission (although we’ve all been in a situation where we’re waiting for the final approval and it’s ten minutes to the portal closing!). Effective co-ordination of the review team is key to avoiding last-minute errors and ensuring a seamless delivery. We will follow up with an article focused solely on HOW to approach this.
Post-Bid Review & Feedback
As much as many would think it does, the bid process doesn’t end at submission. Post-bid evaluation is essential for continuous improvement, whether the bid result was a win or a loss, and whether the process was successful or had humps in the road. Conducting an internal lessons learned review fosters continuous improvement, and reviewing feedback from evaluators helps refine future strategies, identify weaknesses, and strengthen future proposals.
Conclusion
Effective bid management is more than just preparing a proposal; it is a dynamic, strategic process that optimises our chances of winning. By carefully managing each stage, you can increase your win rates, enhance your competitive edge, and secure long-term, valuable contracts. With a robust approach, you can turn tenders into opportunities for sustainable growth.
Bid to Win, the CREM Way.