Businesses called on to bid for HS2 work

Swindon businesses are among those invited to tender for work on the HS2 rail link.

Firms across the South West will be welcome at a webinar hosted by HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson, demonstrating how simple it is to register an interest. Construction of the first phase of Britain’s new railway, between Birmingham and London, is expected to generate around 400,000 contract opportunities. 

The one-hour business webinar will be held on Wednesday, 14 July at 11am.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said:“HS2 is at the heart of the Government’s commitments to build back better after the covid-19 pandemic, level up communities and drive economic growth across the country.

“The vast majority of contracts on HS2 have gone to British businesses, so I’d encourage businesses to get involved and take the opportunities offered by this once in a generation investment in our country’s transport infrastructure.”

The webinar will include an opening address from the minister, as well as the opportunity to hear from local firms who are already working on the project. They will share personal experiences of how High Speed 2 rail has helped their business to grow, along with tips and advice on how to stand out as a winning bidder.

Swindon and the rest of the region are home to some of the UK’s most recognised talent pools and lead the way in the electronics, aerospace and digital media sectors. Additionally, businesses in the South West are believed by HS2 to be well placed to bid for work and secure their place in their supply chain, which already includes over 2,000 businesses – 97% of which are UK-based.

HS2’s supply chain team is eager to spread the word that the share of opportunity extends far beyond the products and services you might traditionally associate with major infrastructure projects.

As part of the Government’s drive to build back better from the pandemic, it wants to see British businesses capitalise on the £25bn worth of opportunities that are expected to flow out into the wider supply chain over the coming years.

HS2's website includes a virtual tour and information around phase one of HS2: https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/phase-one-london-west-midlands/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLfJkNvMDeY :

Robin Lapish, HS2’s supply chain manager said:“In the current climate, local businesses are looking for confidence and assurance in the supply chain and a contract with HS2 provides that. My advice to small businesses is to invest an hour of your time - HS2 isn’t just about track and trains, and that’s exactly what this webinar will demonstrate.” 

The business webinar is free to attend. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hs2-how-can-south-west-businesses-get-involved-tickets-159612229475