ESSEX University is running a course designed to help small businesses bid for the £76billion-worth of public sector contracts awarded each year.Ian Glenister leads a one day “Introduction to tendering” course at the university which aims to fill the skills gap which leaves many small business owners and managers ill-equipped to compete for work as effectively as they might.

ESSEX University is running a course designed to help small businesses bid for the £76billion-worth of public sector contracts awarded each year.

Ian Glenister leads a one day “Introduction to tendering” course at the university which aims to fill the skills gap which leaves many small business owners and managers ill-equipped to compete for work as effectively as they might.

Mr Glenister said: “There's a misconception that tendering is only for large companies. However, everyone can benefit from this large potential work stream.

“It's also particularly relevant for companies in the East of England to sharpen up their tendering skills, as the 2012 Olympics are likely to deliver extra tendering opportunities for companies in this area.”

Introduction to tendering is, however, only one of an extensive programme of short courses run by the university's Business and Management Training unit. The courses focus on improving skills in management, leadership, finance, communication, marketing, sales, and project management, and are designed to help the region's businesses achieve their goals.

Courses currently vailable include Strategic Planning, Introduction to Negotiation, Motivation in the Workplace, Project Planning and Control Techniques, and Emotional Intelligence.

David East, chief executive at Essex County Cricket Club, attended the one day Emotional Intelligence course, which aims to help managers to understand people's behaviour.

He said: 'It helped me think about how I interact with colleagues and other people at work, and the different ways you can approach situations.

“I'd recommend this course to anyone who manages people. But you have to be open-minded. Once you embrace the ideas and the concepts, you have to be ready to make changes to the way you behave.”

One of the popular communication skills courses is the Introduction to Networking, ideal for those who find the prospect intimidating.

Tutor Nicole Bachmann explained: “Networking is about giving, not taking. During the course I recommend approaching new people and thinking what you have to offer, whether it's a contact, your interest, an idea, a client referral or the willingness to enter into a relationship. It's important to focus on the other person rather than yourself, listen carefully to what they say, and follow up on your promises.”

Most courses take place at the Constable Building, adjoining Wivenhoe House Hotel, on the university's Colchester campus. For further details, telephone call 01206 872519, email bmt@essex.ac.uk or visit

visit www.essex.ac.uk/bmt .