HS2 launches first virtual Meet the Contractor event

Potential suppliers have been invited to register for HS2’s latest Meet the Contractor event, and find out more about the estimated 400,000 contract opportunities likely to be available on the high speed rail project.

The virtual Meet the Contractor event takes place between 23-26 November and for the first time ever will be an entirely online. Potential suppliers will have the opportunity to learn more about HS2 and how to get involved. As part of the event 1,100 15-minute one-to-one meetings will be available, for potential suppliers to discuss upcoming contract opportunities with the companies awarding them.

Construction of HS2 Phase One between the West Midlands and London officially began in September. Extending over 140 miles, the line will include over 50 viaducts, 110 embankments, 150 bridges and 32 miles of tunnels; billions of pounds worth of contracts

At peak construction HS2 will support over 30,000 jobs with many thousands more throughout the supply chain. To design and build HS2 a huge range of works, goods and services from businesses of all sizes are required.  Over the next two years there will be contracts requiring many different disciplines from water and drainage systems to habitat creation and site catering as well as traditional construction and engineering contracts.

In total it is estimated that there will be over 400,000 contract opportunities throughout the HS2 supply chain, including many thousands of opportunities to deliver goods, works and services to contractors on-site.

The four-day event will begin with three days of webinar sessions including updates on the HS2 programme, presentations by HS2 contractors and webinars showcasing work currently taking place across the project. The final day will offer potential contractors the opportunity to find out how to get involved via more than 1,000 15 minute one-to-one meetings with HS2’s four Main Works Civil Contractors and the two Stations Construction Partners.  

Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd said: “This year’s ‘Meet the Contractor’ event at HS2 will be the biggest ever and we would like to see businesses from across the UK register for the opportunity to talk with our contractors. Experience from previous years shows that this helps put them in the best position to be a part of building Britain’s new high speed railway. HS2 will be one of the cornerstones of the country’s economic recovery as we work through the challenges of Covid-19, creating and sustaining long term jobs across all sectors.”

Interested parties should click here to register for HS2’s Meet the Contractor event.