What was said
What this says
As at Fri 9 Oct 2026Logistical thread. Tom Ashdown asks to walk Kielderside through the proposal. Lesley Charlton agrees to a scheduling talk only, refers substance to formal procurement clarification, and offers Wednesday at 11:00.
Ask: Tom wants an hour with Lesley and the account managers to talk through the proposal, offering to bring Theo for security. Lesley replied three days later, with an apology for the delay.
Customer view: Lesley will not discuss the proposal or tender outside the formal clarification process. She says she cannot promise any outcome and that budget decisions are not hers to make.
Next: Tom needs to send a short agenda and an invite for the Wednesday 11:00 slot. Lesley wants the session grounded in what a business owner would experience.
The thread
Updated 9 Oct 26Messages
- Tom Ashdown 10 Jul 2026 09:11Hi Lesley, Hope the week's been kind to you. Following our last call, I'd like to get a slot in the diary to walk you and the account managers through the proposal. Nothing new in it, just a chance to talk it through and hear what your team makes of it. I know the process has to stay tidy, so I'm only asking about scheduling here. If anything you want to raise belongs in the formal clarification route, just say and I'll make sure it goes that way. Would sometime next week suit? I can do Tuesday or Wednesday morning, say 10:00 or 11:00, or Thursday afternoon if that's easier. An hour should be plenty, and I'll bring Theo if you want the security side covered too. Happy to flex around whoever you want in the room. Leave the invite with me and I'll send it once we've settled on a time. Cheers, Tom Tom Ashdown Account Executive, BG-Demo
- Lesley Charlton 13 Jul 2026 15:29Dear Tom, Thank you for your note, and apologies for the delay in replying. It has been a busy start to the week with the account managers. I can agree to a scheduling conversation, but I should be clear that I can't discuss the substance of the proposal or the tender outside the formal clarification process. Anything the account managers want answered will need to go through our procurement team so that every bidder is treated the same way. I hope you understand. On timing, Wednesday at 11:00 works best for me next week. Thursday afternoon is possible as a fallback, but several of the team are out. If you can send a short agenda in advance, I will share it with the people who need to attend. What the account managers are asking for is a clear picture of what a business owner would experience, so I would like the session to be grounded in that. I should also say that I can't promise any outcome, and budget decisions are not mine to make. Best wishes, Lesley Lesley Charlton Head of Business Engagement, Kielderside Growth Agency