The HS2 rail project continues in its desire to become the backbone of the UK rail network as it encourages businesses to supply materials and services to support the construction. There are currently Over 2,500 UK-based businesses that have or are currently contributing towards the mammoth rail network. Following in this trend, with early works for the extension of the railway from the West Midlands to Crewe set to gather pace this year, the opportunities for local suppliers to get on board are plentiful.
To raise awareness of the upcoming contract opportunities, companies of all sizes, based in and around Cheshire, are encouraged to register for HS2’s local business event which will be held at Crewe Alexandra’s football stadium on Friday, 20th May at 11.00am.
Matt Hadlington, Senior Business Engagement Manager for HS2 said:
“Companies in the Northwest are already supplying materials and services supporting the first phase of HS2’s construction, and with our programme of work soon to extend into the local area, we want to see more businesses step forward and let us know what they could potentially bring to our supply chain.”
Due to the size of the operation currently in progress, there are many diverse areas that businesses’ services can aid in the roll out of HS2 across the nation. You do not need to be a construction-focused company to benefit. HS2’s construction partners want to talk to businesses of all sizes that can supply them with goods and services to support the construction of Britain’s new railway.
Dr. Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe said:
“Businesses in Cheshire are ideally placed to support the development of the new railway that HS2 is building from Birmingham to Crewe and then on to Manchester.
“I urge businesses to come along and speak to representatives from the project about where you might be able to fit in. HS2 is expected to generate thousands of contract opportunities, and I want to make sure that local businesses are front and centre, playing a key role in what is a vital project for the UK’s economy.”
The event will provide an update on HS2’s construction programme and share information on how local businesses can get involved. Whilst this event is specifically catered around businesses in Cheshire, this should not stop other companies across the UK looking into how their businesses can get involved. The rail industry is a key provider of jobs and business opportunities, with the likes of HS2 championing involvement wherever possible.
