Maintaining Bidding Resilience Amidst Extreme Weather and Powercuts

Across the winter of 2024, the UK has been battered by multiple storms, including the recent Storm Isha, while parts of Western Australia (where I live) have faced significant powercuts following a massive thunderstorm. These extreme weather events not only disrupt daily life but also pose unique challenges for businesses, particularly for bid writers and managers with deadlines! In this short blog, we'll explore strategies to maintain resilience and effectiveness in bid writing, even when nature throws its curveballs.

Prioritising Safety and Well-being

While meeting bid deadlines is important, it should never come at the cost of safety. Here are some tips to ensure you stay safe:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates and advisories. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it could mean the difference between safety and danger.

• Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. In times of a power cut or severe weather, this kit can be invaluable.

• Mental Health Matters: The stress of looming deadlines compounded by weather-related disruptions can take a toll on your mental well-being. It's important to acknowledge this and take breaks when needed. Remember, it's okay to step back and breathe.

Strategies and Tips

Embrace Digital Solutions: In an era where remote working is increasingly the norm, having cloud-based storage is a must-have (as long as it is secure). It ensures that your team can access crucial documents and collaborate in real-time, regardless of their physical location. Tools like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive offer reliable solutions for storing and sharing bid documents securely online.

Develop a Robust Contingency Plan (Office-Based): It's vital to have a contingency plan that outlines steps to take in case of powercuts or other disruptions. This could include backup power solutions like generators, ensuring all team members have access to mobile data if Wi-Fi goes down, and identifying alternative working locations if the primary office is impacted.

Regular Backups: Regularly backing up your work cannot be overstressed. Automated backup systems can ensure that even the most recent changes to a bid document are not lost in case of sudden power loss or system failures.

Effective Communication Channels: Maintaining clear and consistent communication is crucial during times of disruption. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or even WhatsApp groups can keep the team connected and informed about any changes or updates in the bid writing process.

Flexible Work Schedules: Recognising that extreme weather can affect team members differently, offering flexibility in work schedules can help maintain productivity. Some team members might need to shift their work hours to deal with personal challenges posed by the weather.

Training and Preparedness: Regular training sessions on how to handle work during power outages or internet disruptions can keep the team prepared and confident. This includes understanding how to use mobile hotspots, operate backup power supplies, and access offline versions of documents.

Home-Working Contingencies

The first step to resilience is adapting our work environment. While working from home offers comfort and convenience, it's not immune to nature's disruptions, be it power cuts or internet outages. Here's where a well-thought-out contingency plan comes into play:

• Alternate Work Locations: Identify local spaces like libraries, cafes, or co-working spots that can serve as your temporary work haven. These places not only provide a change of scenery but often come equipped with reliable internet and power supply.

• Buddy System: Partner with a colleague or a friend who lives in a different area. When extreme weather hits, having an alternative workspace, like a friend's house, can be a lifesaver. It's not just about the physical space but also the moral support that comes with it.

• Invest in Power Backups: Portable power banks or generators can be a worthwhile investment, especially for those in areas prone to power outages. They ensure that your devices stay charged, keeping you connected and productive.

Conclusion

Extreme weather conditions, like those experienced recently in the UK and Western Australia, test the resilience of bid teams. By embracing digital solutions, developing contingency plans, ensuring regular backups, maintaining effective communication, offering flexible schedules, and conducting training, teams can navigate these challenges successfully. Remember, preparation and adaptability are key to keeping the wheels of bid writing turning, even in the stormiest weather.