In order to helping consistence of over than 2,000 UK businesses afloat and their continues tackle with difficult economic conditions, HS2 is on effort, whereas its recent figures show that tier two subcontracts totaling \u00a37.9bn have been granted to more than 2,000 UK-based companies, with SMEs securing \u00a33.6bn worth of orders \u2013 a 45% share.<\/p>\n
The intended work supporting by HS2\u2019s construction, covers all businesses in every UK region with the East of England, West Midlands, Greater London and the South East each amassing over \u00a31bn worth of contracts.<\/p>\n
Involving firms of all sizes, \u00a31.9bn worth of work has been awarded to medium sized businesses (50-250 employees), \u00a3677million to small businesses (11-49 employees) as well as just over \u00a31billion to micro businesses (1-10 employees).<\/p>\n
According to Rail Minister Huw Merriman: “These figures demonstrate the significant opportunities HS2 offers to UK businesses and supply chains. Not only is it transforming services on our railways, but it\u2019s creating new opportunities for growth and supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs right across the country. The benefits of HS2 will be felt for generations to come, creating extra capacity on our rail network and providing a sustainable option for travel, while boosting a skilled construction workforce in the process.”<\/p>\n
In order to providing a vast range of services including groundworks, archaeology, technology systems, and the manufacturing of parts, components and personal protective equipment, HS2\u2019s supply chain is working speedily, while many suppliers have gone on to win repeat business, and with two decades of construction to go, HS2 is providing a lifeline to companies seeking to recover and expand.<\/p>\n
Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 Ltd, said: “We\u2019re working with specialist businesses and suppliers from across the UK to deliver Britain\u2019s new high speed, low carbon railway. These firms are providing world-leading consultancy services, engineering solutions and products, with many going on to secure multiple contracts. Given the size and longevity of HS2, we\u2019re able to provide businesses with a lasting pipeline of work, which is boosting confidence and prompting investment despite the challenging economic climate.”<\/p>\n
He continued: “It’s fantastic to see the impact partnering with HS2 is having on businesses in our supply chain, supporting and creating thousands of highly-skilled jobs for employees in communities in every corner of the UK.”<\/p>\n
“Procurement is an essential lever through which to support small business growth and innovation and, therefore, to enhance the productivity and the wider competitiveness of the economy. It is encouraging to see in black and white HS2\u2019s level of spend with SMEs, which demonstrates the much-needed levelling of the playing field that the FSB has been calling for,” said Karen Woolley, Development Manager at Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).<\/p>\n
He also added: “At a time when trading conditions are quite possibly at the most challenging they have been for many years, smaller firms having the opportunity of accessing contracts with such an important infrastructure project as HS2 can provide that much needed boost to a company\u2019s economic productivity, whilst also securing jobs and providing for economic stability.”<\/p>\n
Locating at center of the high speed network, West Midlands-based businesses have been quick to seize opportunities and in 2020 that major civils works commenced, the breadth of contract opportunities grew and firms with expertise in delivering complex engineering solutions came to the forefront.<\/p>\n
Mark Pickard, Managing Director of Walsall-based firm Altrad RMD Kwikform, said: “Working on HS2 has given our business a timely boost, allowing us to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and giving us the impetus to invest in our people and hire more staff. We\u2019ve worked on various parts of the project, securing multiple contracts over the last few years on sites in London, the Colne Valley and now in Birmingham, where we\u2019re helping to construct the viaduct that will bring high speed trains into the city center. With years of construction still to go, we\u2019re confident that our work on HS2 will continue to bring stability, prosperity and growth to the business.”<\/p>\n
While determining the stretch between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street as the first operational phase of HS2, the Government\u2019s announcement on 9 March 2023 confirmed that all phases of HS2 from Manchester to London Euston is due to go ahead. Contract opportunities with HS2\u2019s construction partners to support this program of work are advertised on the CompeteFor platform and can be found on HS2\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Considering that HS2 has published details of over 900 contracts handed to its Tier 2 suppliers, businesses are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss the opportunities this could present for them.<\/p>\n