What main contractors and subcontractors say
Real feedback from main contractors and subcontractors using Procurement Hub.
Main contractors
Subcontractors
What is tendering and procurement?
Tendering is the process of inviting suppliers or subcontractors to submit a quote for work. You define the scope (often in packages by trade), set deadlines, and receive quotations. Procurement is the broader process of sourcing and buying those services—so contractor procurement is how main contractors find and appoint subcontractors for construction or commercial projects.
Whether you run an ITT (invitation to tender) or an RFQ (request for quotation), you need a clear structure: project budget, margin, packages per trade, preferred subcontractors, and the option to go to the wider market. Procurement Hub is built for that flow.
Key tendering and procurement terms
Tender / tendering
The formal process of inviting quotes for work. An invitation to tender (ITT) is sent to subcontractors or the market; they respond with quotations. Tendering is standard in construction and commercial works.
Procurement
The process of sourcing and buying services or goods. Contractor procurement is how main contractors find and appoint subcontractors for packages of work.
Package
A discrete work package within a tender—for example electrical, plumbing, or roofing. Each package has its own deadline and can be sent to preferred subcontractors first, then to the wider market.
Preferred subcontractor / preferred supplier
Subcontractors you have shortlisted or worked with before. You can invite them to quote first on a package; if you need more options, you can then send the package to the public market.
Anonymous tender
A tender where the client or main contractor's identity is hidden from bidders. Your details are not revealed on the jobs—useful when you want quotes based purely on scope and price.
Margin / desired margin
The main contractor's target margin (profit) on the project or package. You set your total project budget and desired margin; packages are then quoted by subcontractors to fit that picture.
Quote / quotation
The price and terms submitted by a subcontractor in response to a tender package. Subcontractors can also signal "calculating" (getting a price together) or "decline" if not interested or not available.
Deadline
The date by which quotes or responses are required. Deadlines are important at both package level and overall project level for planning and awarding work.
ITT (Invitation to Tender)
The document or process that formally invites suppliers to submit a tender. In Procurement Hub you create a tender, add packages (by trade), and invite preferred subcontractors or the market to quote.
RFQ (Request for Quotation)
A request for a price quote. Similar to an ITT but often used for simpler or more routine procurement. Procurement Hub supports both styles: create a tender, add packages, request quotations from subcontractors.
How Procurement Hub helps
Create your tender
Set project name, total budget, desired margin, and deadline. Toggle anonymous tender so your details stay hidden from bidders.
Add packages by trade
Split the tender into packages (e.g. electrical, plumbing). Add preferred subcontractors and package deadlines. Jobs go to preferred first, then you can send to market.
See quotes and qualify
Watch quotes, "calculating" and "declined" responses in one dashboard. Qualify subcontractors with a profile check before putting a package to market.
Built for main contractors and subcontractors
Packages and deadlines
Create tender, add packages (subcontracts), set deadlines. Each package becomes a job for quoting.
Preferred first, then public
Send to preferred subcontractors first. If you need more quotes, send the package to the market.
Calculating and decline
Subcontractors can signal "calculating" (getting a price) or "decline". You see real-time progress on your dashboard.
Qualify subcontractor
Profile check: insurance, identity, categories, reviews. See at a glance if a subcontractor is suited before awarding.