Finding out more about HS2 supply chain

The £12bn worth of contract opportunities for businesses across the UK from HS2 were showcased at a four-day event this week.

The virtual event gave businesses across hundreds of sectors an insight into how they can become part of HS2’s rapidly growing supply chain, which already includes over 2,000 businesses.

The virtual ‘Meet the Contractor’ event gave businesses the opportunity to find out more about the estimated 400,000 supply chain opportunities that will emerge...and how they can get ‘HS2 ready’.

The four-day programme was delivered in partnership with HS2’s four main works construction partners (Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV)); Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, BAM Nutall (EKFB)); Align and Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS)) and two stations contractors (Balfour Beatty/VINCI/SYSTRA and Mace/Dragados). Between them they will unlock thousands of individual work packages which range in size and value between £5,000 and £200m.

The potential contracts represent a huge boost for British businesses seeking security and growth amidst the economic uncertainty arising from the pandemic. HS2 Ltd has so far awarded 98% of its current contracts to UK-based businesses; 70% of which have gone to SMEs, and it aims to continue that positive trend through direct engagement with suppliers and local business during the Meet the Contractor event.

Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd’s CEO said: “The Government has said that construction must continue during the lockdown and, for HS2, that means continuing to bring more and more companies onto the project, creating thousands of jobs across Britain. 

“This week's event will unlock billions of pounds worth of new contract opportunities on HS2, providing thousands of businesses and their employees with guaranteed incomes, and helping the country’s economic recovery in these uncertain times.”