As part of the GROWTH project, this site supports SME food and drink companies that operate in the North East.

If you are looking to win new work, or to find collaborators to work with this site can help you. Access to the site’s tools and features is currently free to SMEs based in the North East of England operating in the Food and Drink sector.

If you want to win new work - here's how:

1	Become part of the NEFD network The first step is to sign up to the project. This is done by completing a short form found under the 'HOME' menu option. Once we receive your application we can get you ready for using the portal. We aim to turn around applications within 24 hours. Join the project.
2	Set-up your personalised e-mail Using the simple to follow instructions you can set up a daily e-mail that can list all the relevant food and drink tendering opportunities that are currently available. It can take less than 5 minutes to set up. View the instructions.
3	Promote your business To make the process of being found on the search engines easier, plus adding relevant information to your profile we have two short surveys that take around 5 minutes each to complete. You will need your username and password  to access the surveys. Complete the 'business' survey. Complete the 'market' survey.
4	Creating your tender pack Now you have the opportunities coming to you the next step is to pull together your tendering pack. This will speed things up when you find a tender that suits your needs. We have done some of the hard work for you and the documents can be found under the 'LIBRARY' menu option. Download the standard documents.
5	Find experts to help you tender and grow your business If you are finding the writing of tenders to be a 'step too far' then please contact the people that we find helpful with doing this work. Also, we have access to the Knowledge House Food and Drink expertise map. If you are looking to implement some new ideas or technologies then the University support is only a few clicks away. Browse the tendering experts View the 'expertise map'
6	Improve This last step is down to you! It is very unusual for a company to win their first tender. Many people get dis-heartened at this prospect. However you do have the option to ask the people who awarded the tender how you scored. By taking this information and building it into your next tender your offer becomes stronger and stronger.
7	Let us know when you win something We are always keen to find out the good news stories, so if you win some work through this website could you please let us know? We wish you all the best with your journey and hope to hear your good news soon. The NEFD Team Tell us your good news.