Firms encouraged to bid for 250 new HS2 contracts

The scale and pace of HS2 's construction is spearheading the release of millions of pounds worth of new contract opportunities for small businesses across the UK to capitalise on.

As the backbone of the UK economy, small and medium-sized businesses are in a prime position to step forward and bid for their share of over 250 packages of work which HS2 's construction partners and its subcontractors are set to release in the next 12 to 18 months.

Details will be released at HS2 's annual supply chain event, 'Meet the Contractor ', taking place next month.

The event provides the opportunity for potential suppliers to meet with HS2 's seven joint venture contractors and find out about their upcoming procurements.

The first part of the event programme will focus on contracts linked to the construction of HS2 's stations at Euston, Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street.

This will be followed, two weeks later, with a separate event focused on contracts linked to main works construction along the route of the railway between the West Midlands and London.

Ruth Todd, HS2 's chief commercial officer said: “Over 2,300 businesses have already delivered work on HS2 and our pipeline of upcoming procurement paves the way for hundreds more businesses to join them and cement their future growth.

“HS2 is already supporting a workforce of over 20,000. These contract awards will play a crucial role in sustaining and creating jobs right across the country, supporting the Government 's Plan for Jobs and the drive to level up the country. ”

For the first time, delegates will also be given the opportunity to meet subcontractors working on behalf of HS2 's Tier One construction partners.

Both phases of HS2 's Meet the Contractor event will be held online.

To register, or for more information, click here.