Local businesses are being urged to register their interest in becoming part of the HS2 supply chain as the construction of the new line continues apace.
More than 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses are already working with main contractors on the multi-billion-pound project – but many more will be required over the next few years.
Phase one of the work, between London and the West Midlands, is now set to enter its peak construction phase and will employ more than 30,000 people.
After that, phase 2a will pass directly through Staffordshire linking the high-speed rail line to Crewe; Phase 2b will complete the railway to Manchester, the East Midlands and the North.
All types of businesses are needed – from those who can supply tools, materials and services to companies who can lay on catering services, produce stationery and provide accommodation for the HS2 workforce.
A local business register has been set up that firms can access online along with a toolkit which shows business owners how they can fit into the supply chain. Both can be found here.
HS2 Ltd Business Relations Manager Victoria Osgood said: “We’re always trying to find more SMEs and local businesses based along the route of the new railway that could become part of the HS2 supply chain.
“To help our main works contractors find these companies, we hold engagement events and curate the Local Business Register. This register gets passed on to our Tier 1 suppliers to make them aware of businesses which could help them fulfil their contracts and serve the needs of their workforce.”
The call out comes as preparatory works for the project in Staffordshire step up a gear – meaning some disruption for motorists.
Leading construction and infrastructure services company Kier is set to begin work at Hill Ridware, on the Fradley to Colton section of the line, to help survey for a junction improvement to support traffic flow.
As they carry out pavement coring, bore holes drilling and the digging of trial pits on and off the highway, School Lane will be closed and (separately) temporary traffic lights will be installed on Ridware Road from March 6 to April 7 between 8pm and 5am (excluding weekends).
At Aston-By-Stone, Kier is carrying out similar work which involves the closure of lane one of the A34 Stone southbound, leading off the Aston-By-Stone roundabout, from March 6 to March 10 between 8pm and 5am.
Work by the National Grid on a gas pipeline diversion between Colwich and Yarlet near Stafford requires closure of the northbound carriageway of the A34 Stone Road between March 6 and May 19, with a diversion.
