From Press Box to 4BOX

THE transition from journalism to bid-writing feels real now. After nearly 30 years earning a living by writing about sport for national newspapers, a new chapter has begun. As well as continuing to pursue freelance work in the proposals world, I have now officially been welcomed aboard as part of the 'consulting cadre' at Shipley Ltd.

Many years ago I went straight from student journalism onto a national newspaper staff, leapfrogging the local newspaper rung completely. Winning a major sportswriting award 18 months later showed that I could do more than just cope and actually thrived in that fast-track environment. Now, If anything, I feel there is an added buzz given the size of the jump I am about to attempt. I am beginning my bid-writing career proper with the people who invented bid-writing in the first place (Stephen Shipley founded the APMP in 1989). This is a real test of my belief that core journalistic skills adapt perfectly to this new environment.

There are other skills to be learned, of course, to add to the ones I bring with me. The concept of using a 4BOX strategy to frame responses, for one. But since I first met Managing Director Martin Taylor at the APMP The Big One annual conference, I have been struck by what a nurturing company Shipley is. I feel that they recognise I could be a genuine asset having spent three decades honing qualities that are fundamental to bid-writing in some of the most challenging and competitive environments.

The first task I have been given by them is to help win a lucrative facilities management contract at an internationally-renowned venue.

Sink or swim? Maybe. But to succeed in proposal writing there is no time for me to be treading water.