High Speed Two (HS2) is creating thousands of contract opportunities across its whole supply chain.
Your business community
High Speed Two (HS2) is creating thousands of contract opportunities across its whole supply chain. We want local businesses along the line of the new railway to be at the heart of this supply chain.
HS2 contractors in your area
The design and construction of HS2 is split into sections called ‘work packages’. Across your area there are two work packages being delivered which means there are two enabling works and two main works contractors that are out and about in your local communities, looking for supplies, services and amenities that local businesses may be able to provide.
The enabling works contractors doing most of the work in your area is Fusion joint venture (JV). Their activity is well underway and includes site clearance and preparation, erection of safety fencing and mitigation activities. You can find out more about these contractors at: www.fusion-jv.com
The main works contractors doing most of the work in your area is Align joint venture with Eiffage Kier JV also delivering some work. They are both currently busy finalising their designs and delivery plans. Once these are completed they will start the construction phase of the new railway and this will create many new opportunities for all types of businesses in your area. You can find out more about this contractor at: www.alignjv.co.uk and www.eiffagekier.com
Realising the benefits
Many people, businesses and organisations are already benefiting from HS2.
Engagement in your area
In addition to their regular engagement activity, the HS2 Community Mobile Trailer visited a number of locations along the Phase One route throughout May and June. This was to let people know how to access jobs, skills and education; how to apply for our community funds; what opportunities are open for local businesses; and how to stay in touch with us.
On Saturday 22 June we went to Rickmansworth at the ‘Revels on the Green’ town festival were we had over 200 visitors. Across all the Mobile Trailer events we engaged with over 3,000 people.
Engaging with businesses
They are committed to keeping local businesses informed about the work on HS2. This includes ensuring they know what to expect and when to expect it, how they can learn about any opportunities to get involved in the Project, as well as how we can help.
Onboard with local business
HS2 have created a place for local businesses interested in getting involved in the Project on the HS2 website:
Local businesses can register with us and tell us about what they do. This will help them to better understand the offer of the local business community and enable them and their contractors to make the most of their resources, and maximise the benefits the Project will bring these businesses. #Onboardlocal
Finding out what is happening in your area
They are committed to keeping local communities informed about work on HS2. To help us do this we have partnered with Commonplace to provide locally focused websites at:
Here you can keep up to date with HS2, how the Project is affecting your community and sign up for notifications about construction works and engagement events in your area.
Wider suppliers and businesses
As well as working with local business communities, they’re creating thousands of contract opportunities for businesses right across the UK. Their contractors supply chain opportunities are advertised on CompeteFor. They promote and encourage businesses interested in getting involved in HS2 to register with CompeteFor where they will receive alerts for opportunities that relate to their business.
The HS2 Supply Chain Opportunities Portal and the links to CompeteFor are found at:
Community and business funds
They understand that during the construction of Phase One of HS2, we will cause some disruption. The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) are available to local communities and businesses between London and West Midlands to help with this disruption.
An independent grant management body called Groundwork UK manages the funds. They work with bidders to develop applications, and monitor the progress of projects. Further information and guidance on how to apply can be found at: www.groundwork.org.uk/sites/hs2funds