At The Bid Edit, we believe the right words can change what is possible.
They can unlock funding, secure contracts, inspire people to act and help organisations communicate the true value of work that matters. But powerful writing does not begin with clever words. It begins with understanding.
We bring far more than writing expertise. We have led organisations, developed and commissioned services, managed complex contracts, built partnerships, trained teams, shaped strategy and secured significant income through bids, tenders and business development.
That means we understand what funders, commissioners, trustees and decision-makers need to see because we understand the realities behind the submission. We know what it takes to turn a compelling promise into credible, deliverable work.
Our Founder
Our work is led by Claire Hilton, an experienced charity and social enterprise leader with more than 25 years’ experience across the public, voluntary and private sectors. Her operational and development experience spans social care, criminal justice, domestic abuse, mental health, learning disability, employability and skills.
Claire has secured more than £40 million through competitive tenders, stewarded relationships culminating in repeat six-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and contributed to fundraising campaigns that have generated millions of pounds. She has advised organisations on bid strategy, fundraising, service design, partnerships, growth and income diversification, while also leading the services and organisations responsible for delivering the work.
All about People
We know that behind every bid, proposal or fundraising campaign are real people, real ambitions and real communities who stand to benefit if it's successful.
That's why we don't just write.
We listen.
We challenge.
We strengthen.
And we craft words that work for work that matters.
Who we work with
The Bid Edit works with organisations that are trying to make something useful, fairer or better happen. That might be through public services, social enterprise, community work, employment and skills, health, housing, education, inclusion, justice, fundraising or social value.
We support:
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Charities
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Social enterprises
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CICs
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Public sector teams
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Private sector organisations with a strong social value offer
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Partnerships and consortia
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Small organisations that need senior-level writing support
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Larger organisations that need extra bid capacity or an external review
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Teams that want practical training to improve future submissions
If the work matters, the writing should do it justice.
Nigel Bennett
Founder - JusticeGuides Ltd
“Claire impresses most in her ability to quickly grasp complex dependencies and drive strategic priorities, which in a demanding market are essential assets for any business. She articulates social value, multi-agency safeguarding and community-led rehabilitation in such a way that commissioners realise they are getting something that is above and beyond. Claire perfectly demonstrated how our service flexed to supply gender-specific interventions with her highly professional submissions evidencing her deep knowledge of women’s issues; Claire is an absolute asset to any bid team."
Lori Sartwell
Managing Director, Verve
“Claire knows what it takes to win, because she’s been the one accountable for delivering afterwards. As MD of Unity Works, she had a rare gift for cutting through complexity and bringing teams with her through major change. That track record is exactly what makes her proposals credible, not just persuasive. Sharp, articulate and thoroughly approachable, she is the kind of strategic partner every purpose-led organisation needs.”
Daniel Williams
Head of Tendering, Thera Trust
"Claire provided a real shot in the arm for our development team. The insights and experience that she brought really helped our organisation take our bids to the next level - both in terms of the quality of our submissions but also helping us to extend the range of opportunities we felt confident in bidding for. She did this all with a good-humoured and no-nonsense approach that made sure everyone was on the same page whilst being committed to delivering a positive impact for all involved. Highly recommended."