Would your firm pass the eligibility questions?
Most below-threshold UK public tenders ask broadly the same selection questions before anyone reads your price. Answer honestly and this tells you which ones you'd pass today — and exactly what to fix before your next bid. Nothing is stored, no signup needed.
The basics
1. Is your business formally registered (limited company, LLP, or established sole trader with a UTR)?
The selection questionnaire asks for your registration details first.
2. Are your taxes broadly up to date (no unresolved HMRC disputes or serious arrears)?
Serious tax non-compliance is a standard exclusion ground.
3. Is the business free of insolvency proceedings and relevant unspent convictions (fraud, bribery, organised crime)?
These are the mandatory exclusion grounds on every public tender.
Insurance & accreditations
4. Do you hold — or could you get if awarded — £5m public liability insurance?
£5m PL is the most commonly required level; many tenders accept "will obtain on award".
5. If you employ staff: do you hold employer's liability insurance (£5m)?
A legal requirement with employees; buyers always check.
6. For site/trades work: do you hold an SSIP health & safety accreditation (CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor or similar)?
Very common pass/fail for construction, maintenance and FM work. Not always required elsewhere.
7. Do you have a written health & safety policy?
Required in writing by law at 5+ employees; requested on most tenders regardless.
Financial standing & track record
8. Can you show at least one year of filed accounts, or a bank reference if you're newer?
Buyers check financial standing in proportion to contract size; new firms can often substitute references.
9. Could you provide 2–3 client references for similar work (private-sector clients count)?
Standard request; first-time public bidders can use commercial references.
Policies buyers ask about
10. Do you have basic written policies — equal opportunities, environmental, data protection?
Frequently requested tick-boxes; one-pagers are acceptable at small-firm scale.
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General guidance for UK below-threshold public procurement, based on the standard Selection Questionnaire themes and GOV.UK guidance — not legal, financial or procurement advice. Each buyer sets its own requirements: the actual notice always takes precedence. Nothing you enter here leaves your browser.