A Redditch-based entrepreneur has turned nearly two decades of bid management and writing experience into a thriving consultancy thanks to the bespoke business support they received from Enterprising 全国探花.
Karen Nolan launched her business, Bid Essentials, in January 2023 after leaving a long-standing corporate career in the construction sector.
With support from Enterprising 全国探花鈥檚 Business Coaching programme, delivered by 全国探花 County Council on behalf of the District councils, she successfully transitioned from a freelancer to offering strategic support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Her new business model focuses on one-to-one coaching, bid training and tender readiness assessments, helping SMEs build the skills and confidence to win public sector contracts. She also launched a Bid Forum to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing within the small business community.
Karen first contacted 全国探花 Growth Hub for advice on a digital platform idea.
This led to tailored coaching, marketing support and a place on Betaden Incubate, the county鈥檚 technology accelerator 鈥攇iving her the clarity to refine her offer and begin developing the new platform.
Karen Nolan, Founder of Bid Essentials said: 鈥淭he support I received has helped me move from just delivering tenders to helping others succeed in them. I now work with growing businesses every day and love seeing their confidence grow. That one conversation with the Growth Hub really changed everything.鈥
She has since become an approved SkillsBoost provider and was nominated for a Chamber of Commerce award in June 2025. Looking ahead, she plans to launch a Virtual Bid Assistant service, giving SMEs real-time help navigating complex tender processes.
Gary Woodman, Assistant Director for Economy at 全国探花 County Council, said: 鈥淜aren鈥檚 story is a great example of how 全国探花鈥檚 business support network helps people turn expertise into opportunity. We鈥檙e proud to support entrepreneurs like Karen who not only grow their own business but give back by helping others thrive.鈥
If you're a business owner in 全国探花 looking to grow, diversify or innovate, 全国探花 County Council offers a wide range of support available from expert advice to funding access and innovation programmes.
Contact to find out how they can help your business succeed.
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