Businesses in operation in the West Midlands have been urged to prepare for the opportunities that are being created with the HS2 development. The work on this high-speed rail mega-project will create a wide range of supply chain opportunities that companies will be able to make the most of, if they are ready.
HS2 is considered to be the largest infrastructure project to take place in Europe and the size of such a project means that there is a need for an extensive and varied supply chain in order to complete the work. This essential requirement means that there could be opportunities for businesses in the West Midlands that could span the next 2-0 years in a wide range of different sectors.
The development of this high speed railway connection will offer a range of projects for design, construction, catering, cleaning, manufacturing and maintenance. Support is available for companies interested in these projects through local Growth Hubs, are in a strong position to offer free advice across a number of related areas such as capital expenditure, application of innovative and advanced technology, building information and modelling, market development and mentoring and coaching.
In order to enable phase one of the project, three joint ventures have been contracted between London and Birmingham. Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy sons limited are two of the UK’s leading engineering and construction companies, who are currently managing and enabling the works in the west midlands for Phase 1 of the HS2 project. Working as a part of a joint venture, these two companies are looking for more than £250 million of supply chain contracts, across a variety of sectors including accommodation, demolition works, IT infrastructure, planting and seeding, structural works and surveys.
The Procurement Leader of the joint venture, Sean O’Brien has said that HS2 is starting to pick up heading in to 2018 and as the scope of the joint venture’s requirements is confirmed the range of different Tier Two, Three and Four contracts becoming available.
