Get on board for rail work, firms urged

Businesses in the North East are being urged to bid for millions of pounds worth of upcoming contracts in Britain’s new railway.

The number of North East-based businesses who have registered an interest in becoming a potential HS2 supplier is significantly lower than in other parts of the country.

Potential contracts with HS2 cover a broad range of sectors from catering services, designers and ecologists to logistics and electronic components.

Robin Lapish, HS2 Ltd’s Supply Chain Manager said: “The North East has a huge talent pool and leads the way in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and engineering to digital expertise and smart data.

“There are countless opportunities for local businesses into the next decade and beyond.

"A contract with HS2 could turbocharge growth and help sustain and create new jobs.”

HS2 Ltd has already awarded around £18bn worth of contracts, with a significant proportion of this expected to flow out to the wider supply chain.

By the end of 2022, it’s estimated this figure will reach around £25bn.

Jonathan Walker, director of policy at the North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “The opportunities to win contracts on the HS2 project are some of the most significant pieces of public sector work we have seen.

“We urge businesses to look at what is available.”

For more information about joining HS2’s supply chain go to hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/supply-chain/