Firms urged to get ‘HS2-ready’ as multi-million pound contracts released

The high-speed network linking Birmingham Curzon Street and Old Oak Common Station opens to passengers in a decade’s time, and over 3,000 UK-based businesses are already onboard helping to build the network of viaducts, tunnels, and bridges along the route.

In readiness for the next stage of the construction programme, HS2 is searching for more UK companies to progress its civil engineering works, start fitting out the first of its new state-of-the-art stations, and support the manufacture of its fleet of high-speed trains.

To showcase the new contract opportunities, which start to be released this summer, HS2 and its construction partners are inviting UK businesses to ‘Meet the Contractor’ to find out how they could benefit from the pipeline of upcoming work.

Ruth Todd, HS2’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “Thousands of UK businesses are already helping to bring the HS2 network to life, and this latest round of contract opportunities opens the door for hundreds more to join them.

“It’s an exciting time, as attention now turns towards raising our stations from the ground and building a fleet of rolling stock that will transform the way we travel between Britain’s major towns and cities.

“This is a standout opportunity for UK businesses looking to expand their order books and I’d encourage them to register quickly for the chance to discuss what’s on offer.”

HS2 is hosting two in-person events at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on Monday 10^th and Tuesday 11^th July for businesses to find out more. The event on 10^th July will focus on upcoming contract opportunities with HS2’s stations and civils contractors, and the 11^th July event will focus on contracts linked to the manufacture of HS2’s fleet of rolling stock.

Places at both events are limited and advance registration is required by 5pm on Friday 23 June. To secure your place, visit hs2.org.uk/MTC23.

A series of online events will also be held for those unable to attend in-person. The online programme includes events on:

• Tuesday 4^th July – Spotlight on Health and Safety
• Wednesday 5^th July – Spotlight on Driving Improved Environment and Social Impacts
• Wednesday 12^th July – Spotlight on Innovation

To register for the online events, visit hs2.org.uk/MTC23.

Over 3,000 UK-based businesses are already engaged in HS2’s supply chain and 61% of contracts have been awarded to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in every region of the UK.

‘Meet the Contractor’ is designed to help businesses understand how to get ‘HS2-ready’ so they are in the best possible position to bid for upcoming work. The in-person and online events allow businesses to connect with companies already engaged in HS2’s supply chain, find out more about HS2’s business reporting requirements, and register to meet 1-2-1 with HS2’s construction partners.