HS2 contracts tip in favour of Northamptonshire truck firm

A small Northamptonshire truck hire business has raised its fortunes thanks to the work it has secured supporting HS2’s construction.

GCN Tipper Hire, based in Weedon Bec, began its HS2 journey as a two-man team transporting aggregate materials to HS2 construction sites. 

The company now plays a vital role in HS2’s drive to reduce carbon emissions, by collecting materials from HS2’s railheads and transporting them the final mile to construction sites in Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.

In November 2021, Paul Heard and Gary Niblett who co-own the business, were running operations with just two tipper trucks and two operatives. 

The sheer volume of work they have been awarded by HS2’s construction partner EKFB has now enabled the firm to expand its workforce from two staff to 10 and acquire six new state-of-the-art vehicles – all in just a year.

Paul Heard, co-owner of GCN Tipper Hire, said: “Our rapid expansion is all down to the contracts we’ve been awarded working on HS2. Not only is this helping our small business to thrive, but it also means we’ve been able to employ more local people, which is a welcome boost for the area.

“We’ve invested in the most carbon-efficient lorries on the market, as we know this stands us in good stead to help HS2 reach its net zero carbon aim. We’re proud to be playing a part in Britain’s new railway, and we’re challenging ourselves to become even cleaner and greener in the future by going all-electric.”

HS2 has a rapidly expanding supply chain - 2,760 businesses have delivered work on the project so far, with 96% of contracts being awarded to UK-based businesses.

Ruth Todd, chief commercial officer at HS2, said: “SMEs have a vital role to play in our supply chain. Paul and Gary’s achievements over the last year, and their dedication to supporting our net zero carbon aim, is testament to the robustness of our supply chain. 

“Companies of all sizes, right across the UK, are coming together to build HS2 and we’re delighted to have them on board.” 

So far 586 businesses in the East Midlands are supplying goods, services and materials supporting HS2’s construction.

In October HS2 launched a new supplier guide and urged more UK businesses to register their interest in becoming a supplier to the high speed rail project. Click here to read more.