These opportunities aren’t always advertised publicly, so knowing where and how to look gives your business a real edge.

Why Private Sector Tenders Matter

Private sector contracts can offer:

Faster decision-making – less red tape than public procurement.

Longer partnerships – once you’re a trusted supplier, renewals often follow.

Higher margins – budgets and scope can be more flexible.

Diverse sectors – from tech and manufacturing to property, logistics, and finance.

The key is knowing where these tenders live and how to position your business to be visible when buyers start sourcing.

Where to Find Private Sector Opportunities

Unlike the public sector, private buyers don’t always use open portals. However, there are several reliable sources where you can find active tenders, pre-qualification opportunities, and direct supplier registration pages.

Corporate Procurement Portals

Many large organisations manage procurement through dedicated supplier portals. Registering gives you access to their live or upcoming tenders.

Examples include:

Shell Supplier Portal – global energy procurement.

BT Sourcing Portal – telecoms and technology contracts.

Rolls-Royce Supplier Portal – engineering and manufacturing projects.

Balfour Beatty Vendor Portal – construction and infrastructure supply chain.

Unilever Supplier Portal – FMCG and logistics procurement.

Amazon Procurement Portal – logistics, services, and sustainability tenders.

Tip: Check each target company’s website for “Procurement”, “Supplier Registration” or “Become a Supplier” pages — these are goldmines for direct contract access.

Private Tender Platforms & RFP Marketplaces

These platforms aggregate tenders and supplier requests from across the private sector, ideal for B2B service providers.

Proactis / ProContract – used by private and public buyers.

Delta eSourcing – corporate and construction RFPs.

Ariba (SAP Ariba Network) – one of the largest global procurement marketplaces.

Coupa Supplier Portal – supply chain and enterprise contracts.

Tealbook – supplier intelligence and sourcing hub.

Worksome / Upwork Enterprise / Fiverr Pro – for professional and digital service tenders.

GEP SMART – used by multinational organisations for end-to-end sourcing.

Sector-Specific Corporate Procurement Hubs

Some industries maintain their own supplier networks and RFP systems.

Achilles Network – used by utilities, energy, and construction firms.

Constructionline – for engineering, building and facilities services.

Bloom Procurement Services – professional and consultancy projects.

JOSCAR (Hellios) – supplier accreditation for defence, aerospace and security.

NHS Shared Business Services (Private Health Contracts) – private healthcare providers.

Direct Outreach & Relationship Building

Many private sector contracts never go public. Instead, they’re offered to trusted partners or framework suppliers.

That’s why proactive relationship-based business development remains so effective. Once you’re registered and compliant on a company’s portal, stay visible by:

Sharing relevant case studies and updates on LinkedIn.

Attending industry networking events or supplier days.

Engaging procurement teams through email introductions.

Subscribing to corporate newsletters for RFP updates.

Benefits of Working with Private Sector Buyers

Less competition: Many RFPs are by invitation only.

Stronger relationships: Direct access to decision-makers.

Diverse opportunities: Access projects in innovation, ESG, and emerging tech.

Scalability: Build partnerships that grow with the organisation.

Stability: Repeat business through trusted supplier relationships.