Consultancies merge in bid for growth

A specialist procurement and bid writing group has been launched following the merger of two established consultancies, creating what is claimed to be the UK’s largest dedicated bid writing business.

Procurement Growth Group brings together Bolton-headquartered Thornton & Lowe and North East-based Executive Compass, combining specialist expertise in bid writing, tendering, procurement consultancy and bid software.

The move follows Thornton & Lowe’s recent acquisition of Bidding Limited, which had previously purchased Healthbid and AM Bid. 

Together, the enlarged group employs 76 people, with further recruitment planned as it targets continued expansion.

Founded in 2009, Thornton & Lowe and Executive Compass have each grown from regional firms into national providers, helping organisations secure public sector contracts, government frameworks and major procurement opportunities.

Under the new structure, Thornton & Lowe founder Dave Thornton becomes group chief executive, while Executive Compass founder Neil Capstick takes on the role of group strategy director. 

Meanwhile, Executive Compass chief executive Christian Rowe becomes group commercial director, with Tom Sander-Daniel and Matthew Walker continuing as managing directors of Thornton & Lowe and Executive Compass, respectively.

The new structure reflects growing demand for specialist bid support as procurement becomes increasingly competitive and strategically important. 

Combining consultancy expertise with software products including Tender Library, Tender Pipeline and bidtogether, the group aims to offer clients greater capacity, broader expertise and an integrated range of services while retaining the individual brands and relationships built over the past 17 years.

Dave said: “We are growing something really special here. 

“Bringing these businesses together is part of the group’s highly ambitious plans, and people should watch this space. 

“We are staying focused on procurement, tendering and business growth, and we will be driving hard to build on the strength, talent and reputation across the group.

“It is a real honour and pleasure to be part of the same group. 

“Over the years, we have realised both businesses share the same morals and values: putting customer service first, being solution-driven, and staying highly ambitious. Onwards and upwards.”

Neil added: “Executive Compass has always been built on practical support, technical quality and a genuine commitment to helping businesses succeed through better bidding.

“Joining forces under Procurement Growth Group allows us to build on that work at a greater scale, while keeping the values and client focus that have made both businesses successful.”

Christian added: “This is an exciting moment for our people, our clients and the wider bid writing and tendering market. 

“The combined group gives us greater depth, broader expertise and more ways to support organisations at every stage of their bidding journey, from opportunity identification and strategy through to submission, review and long-term improvement.”

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