The first phase of construction of Britain’s new HS2 route between Birmingham and London is currently expected to generate major job growth in the area, with an estimated 400,000 new contracts and £25bn worth of opportunities flowing through the wider supply chain in years to come.
HS2 are encouraging businesses across the UK to show their interest and register to become suppliers for the project, enabling access to their multi-million-pound pipeline of contract opportunities with HS2’s construction partners.
Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 said:
“HS2 provided a lifeline to thousands of UK-based SMEs during the pandemic, and in these challenging economic times, it’s vital that British businesses of all sizes gear up to capitalise on the certainty that HS2 contracts provide.
“With a two-decade long construction programme ahead of us, our contractors need a robust, reliable, and resilient supply chain. Whether seeking to diversify or broaden their client base, now is the time for businesses to get HS2-ready.”
HS2 have established a new supplier guide that sets out strategic goals and buying objectives whilst introducing Tier 1 construction partners and linking to their procurement and supply chain teams. There is also guidance for suppliers on how they can organise themselves to fit within the HS2 working structure.
Acting as the biggest infrastructural project in European history, the continued progression of HS2 across the UK is vital for job creation, whilst promoting the opportunities to partner with British based businesses. Where there is currently a cost-of-living-crisis ravaging Britain, the northern progression of HS2 will have drastic affects on the levelling up agenda. The HS2 project has an opportunity to act as the rising tide that can help to lift the ships of British business growth, whilst providing interconnectivity links to those that are restricted through transport-related-social-exclusion.
HS2’s pipeline of contract opportunities is extremely visible as they champion involvement, showing the drive to ensure that UK companies are in the best position to capitalise on upcoming contract opportunities. Currently, the construction of HS2 has supported over 27,000 jobs, with over 2,550 UK-based business actively engaged in the supply chain.
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
