Tony Birch

TonyBirch

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Tony Birch, CPP APMP Fellow (Class of 2006)

Founder & Director
Shipley Limited

Bio

Tony Birch co-founded Shipley Limited in 1997, having worked for Shipley Associates for three years. Currently, he serves as Chair of the Board of Shipley Limited but remains an active consultant/trainer in all aspects of Business Development.

Tony served on the main board of the APMP for four years (2004 – 2007) and was one of the founding members of the APMP UK Chapter (2001). He was elected a Fellow of the APMP in 2006 for his contributions to developing and launching the APMP’s global Certification Programme. In 2016, the APMP awarded him its highest honor, the William C. McRae Founder’s Award, for his contributions to the organization.

Over the last 28 years, Tony has worked with large and small companies across sectors as diverse as Automotive, Defense, Insurance, and Space, delivering business-winning related services.

What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?

It is a recognition of my commitment to the profession.

What's your best memory from attending an APMP event?

Sitting around a fire pit in Wild Horse Pass Resort, AZ, meeting and greeting friends I would not have ever known if I had not been a member of the Association.

What advice do you have for a proposal professional entering our field?

Doing the impossible for the ungrateful can sometimes be very hard. Keep at it, and it can be a rewarding career.

The Executive Summary is the key element of each proposal, literally the most important part of the response next to the price – this is why my focus was on this micro certification. Understanding the principles of Deal-Strategy, Win-Strategy, Competitor-Analysis, Ghosting, Persuasive Writing, Features/Benefits/Discriminators, and many more is essential and beneficial for so much more than just the Executive Summary.

Florian Lamisch, CF ES-M APMP

My experience, combined with the APMP Body of Knowledge, helped me obtain both the APMP Foundation exam and the Practitioners exam within a week.

Sonal Bhatnagar, CP APMP, PMP

The certifications, starting from the foundation to the professional level, help individuals from diverse timeframes in their careers.

Mayura Ravishankar, Proposal Associate

APMP has changed my professional life, elevating it to a standard that I didn’t know existed. Aside from the professional advantages of being certified as an APMP Professional, it’s the community of members who make it so special.

Rita Mascia, CPP APMP

APMP certification is the gold standard for the industry. For me, accreditation is formal recognition of my commitment to the profession, as well as an avenue for improving my performance and bid outcomes by training in APMP principles.

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Ailsa Tuck, CP APMP

I love that my high scores in English and grammar from grade school finally paid off! I understand where I fit in professionally with a career that is rewarding on many levels. I owe all of this to APMP!

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Bette Sturino, CP APMP

The time was a good investment, and I expect to reap benefits now and in the future!

Kelly Erickson, CF APMP

I would advise new professionals to take advantage of the resources that APMP offers. Not only do you have access to conferences and seminars through your chapter, but the free webinars and the robust network of professionals are great benefits that can help advance one’s career.

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Valerie Kessie, CP APMP

Certification has enhanced my worth as a bid professional. It has validated the skills and experience I have and is proof of my bid management qualities and capabilities. It has given me a springboard to develop my career and aim for Professional certification.

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Aynsley Davidson, CP APMP

APMP has provided an incredible platform for seasoned individuals from the Proposal and Bid Management profession and young professionals who want to start their careers in this field.

Mayura Ravishankar, Proposal Associate