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Redditch-based bid consultant and entrepreneur Karen Nolan is proof that the right support at the right time can transform a career into a thriving business that uplifts others. 

Karen Nolan launched her business, Bid Essentials, in January 2023 after leaving a long-standing corporate career in bid management. With support from Enterprising Worcestershire’s Business Coaching programme, delivered through 91��Ƭ��County Council and on behalf of District Councils, she now offers strategic support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

From corporate to coaching: a new direction 

Determined to support smaller businesses, Karen transitioned from hands-on bid management and bid writing to coaching and training, developing Bid Essentials, her own consultancy offering: 

• Bid Masterclasses for SMEs
• Bid Writing Training to boost response quality
• online Tender Readiness Assessments
• development of a Bid Forum to build a collaborative community
• one-on-one ‘Get Bid Ready’ Coaching tailored to ensuring businesses are fully tender ready

This change not only gave her greater flexibility but also allowed her to do what she loves most—helping businesses grow and succeed through winning contracts. 

Support from Enterprising 91��Ƭ��and 91��Ƭ��Growth Hub 

Karen’s transformation has been fully supported through 91��Ƭ��County Council and the 91��Ƭ��Growth Hub. 

Through one-to-one business coaching and marketing advice provided by a professional advisor, she gained clarity and confidence in her new direction.  

Karen said “Thanks to the invaluable support from 91��Ƭ��County Council and the 91��Ƭ��Growth Hub, I have transformed Bid Essentials. The one-to-one business coaching sessions provided a safe space to refine my ideas and strategies. The coaches' extensive experience and practical planning advice were exceptional, and truly instrumental in my journey to empower businesses through strategic bid support and training.” 

Innovation and recognition 

Karen attended the Big Conversation event in 2024 an annual event run by the 91��Ƭ��Local Enterprise Partnership where she connected with BetaDen. Encouraged by feedback and mentoring through the BetaDen Incubator Programme, she began developing her idea for a virtual bid management platform a service that could transform how SMEs approach tendering. 

“I wasn’t sure if the platform was viable,” Karen said. “But over the 9-week programme, BetaDen’s support really spurred me on. I now have people working with me to help shape my pitch and develop the platform.” 

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Karen was nominated for an award through the Herefordshire & 91��Ƭ��Chamber of Commerce for June 2025 and is now an approved SkillsBoost provider, offering training in bid management, bid preparedness and bid writing. Additionally, she is now delivering training for other councils including Westminster City Council and is looking forward to expanding her services across the country. 

A bright future for Bid Essentials 

Karen is already looking to the future with the idea of launching a Virtual Bid Assistant service to provide on-demand support to SMEs. Her first experience as an FSB Bootcamp exhibitor last year was a major confidence milestone. 

“That’s something I wouldn’t have done before the business coaching it gave me the focus and encouragement I needed,” she said. 

Why it matters 

Through the support of 91��Ƭ��County Council’s Enterprising 91��Ƭ��Programme and 91��Ƭ��Growth Hub, Karen has turned her years of expertise into a business that supports others. From personalised coaching to strategic marketing and tech incubation, 91��Ƭ��County Council’s network has helped Karen at every step of her entrepreneurial journey. 

Her message is clear: “No two days are the same. I love helping people and with every tender they grow, and I grow with them.”