Press release

Welsh businesses encouraged to seize opportunities with HS2

HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for the design, engineering and construction of Britain’s new high speed rail network, yesterday (28th June) met over 100 businesses from North Wales to urge them to grasp opportunities to bid for billions of pounds worth of future contracts with HS2.

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government
HS2 supply chain

The event, hosted by the Welsh Government gave small, medium and large companies an excellent opportunity to find out more about the types of work packages available and advise firms on how they can place themselves in the best position to bid for HS2 contracts.

As part of this year’s series of supply chain roadshows, HS2 Ltd is visiting 11 regions across the UK. At total of 850 people have attended the events so far in Liverpool, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Leeds and Newcastle.

Construction on Phase One of HS2, between London and Birmingham, is due to start in 2017. HS2 will support up to 100,000 jobs nationwide, create around 25,000 jobs during construction of Phases One and Two and create 2,000 apprenticeships.

UK Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said:

Our government’s ground-breaking HS2 programme provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses across the UK, including those in Wales. It will create some of the largest value contracts in UK construction history and job opportunities throughout the supply chain.

With billions of pounds worth of contracts on the table, we hope Welsh businesses will take full advantage of this event, which will set out how firms can compete for work on this vital infrastructure project.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates, said:

The roadshow is an excellent way of raising awareness of the potential opportunities available for interested businesses in Wales and I am delighted there was such a good turnout.

It ensured that companies have access to all the information required to explore opportunities and supply chain prospects and allows them to express their interest and to get involved at an early stage.

HS2 Ltd Commercial Director, Beth West said:

Following a successful supply chain event in Cardiff last year, I’m delighted with yesterday’s turnout of over 100 businesses and I’d like to encourage all companies large or small to get involved with HS2.

Building HS2 is a massive long-term project and one that offers a huge opportunity for Welsh businesses to bid for billions of pounds worth of contracts, starting with enabling works packages through to supply chain opportunities in engineering and construction.

To deliver a project of HS2’s size and complexity will require the right companies with the right skills and competencies including health and safety, BIM (Level 2), environmental sustainability, EDI and community relations. Where appropriate these requirements will be cascaded through the supply chain.

During the roadshows, HS2 Ltd aims to speak to as many businesses as possible from all over the country. Places for the remaining events in Bristol, Cambridge, London and Coventry are in demand so companies are encouraged to register soon.

Companies can obtain more information regarding HS2 Ltd’s procurement process via:
SCC@hs2.org.uk

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Published 29 June 2016