BUSINESSES in York and North Yorkshire have been preparing for a tendering process which will see £10 billion worth of contracts handed out as high speed rail comes to Britain.
Dubbed "the greatest opportunity for a generation" by HS2, the firm creating the planned north-south rail network, the construction phase of the multi-billion project is set to draw its supply chain from across the country.
HS2 is set to host just two events, one in London and a second in Manchester, to outline supply chain opportunities as HS2 moves towards the construction phase, which is due to start in 2017.
Four businesses in York, and four in North Yorkshire, are among 55 firms in Yorkshire, collectively employing more than 50,000 people, which have registered for the Manchester event, due to be held in October.
The companies range from big firms employing more than 5,000 people to some employing fewer than 10, and supply anything from office furniture to transport smart cards, archaeological expertise to seals and gaskets.
Simon Kirby, chief executive of HS2, which is owned by the Department for Transport, said: "Building HS2 is a massive, long-term project; one that offers huge opportunity for large and small companies right across the country.
"To construct it; and then bring it to life will require a vast range of skills and expertise, some of which we have and some we’ll need to develop. Put simply, HS2 is an unprecedented transport, investment and economic opportunity.
"And to deliver a project of HS2’s scale and complexity we are committed to working with companies who share our collaborative values.
"We are also determined to build on Crossrail’s success where 97 per cent of contracts were placed with UK-based firms.
"So, I am extremely pleased that so many firms have already shown an interest in helping to deliver HS2. I would encourage all firms large or small to get involved."
The HS2 Supply Chain Conferences will be held in London on October 17 and Manchester on October 23. Interested parties can obtain more information via SCC@hs2.org.uk
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