The high-speed network linking Birmingham Curzon Street and Old Oak Common Station opens to passengers in a decade’s time, and over 3,000 UK-based businesses are already onboard helping to build the network of viaducts, tunnels, and bridges along the route.

In readiness for the next stage of the construction programme, HS2 is searching for more UK companies to progress its  civil engineering works, start fitting out the first of its new state-of-the-art stations, and support the manufacture of its fleet of high-speed trains.

In order to showcase the new contract opportunities, which start to be released this summer, HS2 and its construction partners are inviting UK businesses to ‘Meet the Contractor’ to find out how they could benefit from the pipeline of upcoming work.

Ruth Todd, HS2’s Chief Commercial Officer said, “Thousands of UK businesses are already helping to bring the HS2 network to life, and this latest round of contract opportunities opens the door for hundreds more to join them.

“It’s an exciting time, as attention now turns towards raising our stations from the ground and building a fleet of rolling stock that will transform the way we travel between Britain’s major towns and cities.

“This is a standout opportunity for UK businesses looking to expand their order books and I’d encourage them to register quickly for the chance to discuss what’s on offer.”

HS2 is hosting two in-person events at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on Monday, 10^th and Tuesday, 11^th July for businesses to find out more. The event on 10^th July will focus on upcoming contract opportunities with HS2’s stations and civils contractors, and the 11^th July event will focus on contracts linked to the manufacture of HS2’s fleet of rolling stock.

Places at both events are limited and advance registration is required by 5pm on Friday, 23^rd June. 

A series of online events will also be held for those unable to attend in person. The online programme includes events on:

• Tuesday, 4^th July – Spotlight on Health and Safety
• Wednesday, 5^th July – Spotlight on Driving Improved Environment and Social Impacts
• Wednesday, 12^th July – Spotlight on Innovation

In order to register for either the live or online events, click here.

Our Sourcing Construction Project Leads feature, sponsored by Barbour ABI, looks at getting the most from the information, free trials, lead-enhancement services and also provides access to our index of over 30 organisations providing project data.

Over 3,000 UK-based businesses are already engaged in HS2’s supply chain and 61% of contracts have been awarded to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in every region of the UK.

Meet the Contractor is designed to help businesses understand how to get HS2-ready, so they are in the best possible position to bid for upcoming work. The in-person and online events allow businesses to connect with companies already engaged in HS2’s supply chain, find out more about HS2’s business reporting requirements, and register to meet 1-2-1 with HS2’s construction partners.

Contracts set to be released include opportunities within:

Civils & Stations:

• Urban realm (incl. earthworks, minor civils, roads, landscaping, trees)
• Station fit out (incl. structural steel, cladding, flooring, ceilings, painting, signage)
• Drainage works and associated materials (e.g. precast concrete drainage and plastic drainage pipes)
• Highways works and associated ancillary packages (e.g. surfacing, kerbing / paving, road signs, gantrys, VRS)
• External works (e.g. landscaping, fencing, drainage, civils, formwork, reinforcement and concrete)
• General procurement (materials, plant, consumables, innovation, sustainability)
• Buildings & Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) (incl. Precast Panels, cladding, flooring, ceilings)

Rolling Stock

• Exterior Coating
• Skirts (incl. bogie covers, underframe, roof)
• Fabrications
• Electrical Cables and Cabinets/Harnesses (incl. high voltage cable, electrical cubicles)
• Electricals (incl. electrical cubicle)
• Interior assemblies (incl. handles, rails, walls, luggage racks, ceiling modules, decals)
• Insulation, emergency equipment, hoses and pipework

Businesses can express an interest in becoming an HS2 supplier at any time by registering their details on CompeteFor. For information and advice about becoming an HS2 supplier, read HS2’s Supplier Guide.

For further details, click the Learn More link below.