Rachel Hayward

Rachel Hayward is the Managing Director of Ask the Chameleon Ltd, the multi-award-winning bid writing and procurement consultancy helping SMEs, charities and social enterprises compete - and win - in markets traditionally dominated by much larger organisations.
An award-winning bid strategist, Rachel has secured access to more than £197.4 million through successful bids, frameworks and tenders since 2015, including £4.6 million in charitable grants and funding. As the owner of a micro business herself, she knows what it means to compete in a much bigger game and has built her business around helping ambitious organisations do exactly that.
Rachel believes that winning contracts isn't about being the biggest - it’s about telling the strongest story, demonstrating real value, and understanding what buyers really need. Her expertise spans public sector procurement, grant funding, strategic bid writing and business award submissions, including the prestigious King's Awards for Enterprise, Chamber of Commerce Awards and other regional and national business awards.
Beyond procurement, Rachel is passionate about creating opportunities for others. Most recently she led the successful Ducks in a Row crowdfunding fundraising campaign for Trent Rowing Club, in memory of her late father who was their President for over 30 years, raising £31,140. She is a regular speaker, mentor and podcast guest, sharing practical insights that help businesses grow with confidence.
Her mission is simple: to prove that size should never limit ambition. With the right strategy, even the smallest organisations can compete - and win – in the biggest games.