Posted 23rd October 2014 | 3 Comments

'Crucial' HS2 supply chain summit in Manchester

THE construction industry is being advised to prepare for one of the world's largest projects -- the construction of HS2.

The first phase between London and the West Midlands, and possibly onwards to Crewe or Stoke, will involve contracts worth £10 billion.

800 delegates from around 500 firms will converge on Manchester Central conference centre today to hear from HS2 Ltd about what will be needed from industry.

The government-owned developer said it is gathering together representatives from the rail, construction and associated industries to get them geared up to bid for work, which is due to start in just over two years from now.

HS2 chief executive Simon Kirby said: "The pace of HS2’s development is accelerating so we’re ready to hit the ground running, assuming Royal Assent in 2016.  It is excellent to see such massive support and interest from industry in making HS2 a reality and this is a great opportunity for us to meet companies from across the country.

"To build HS2 between the West Midlands and London is a huge undertaking: £10bn worth of contracts and at peak construction we’ll be employing around 40,000 people to deliver the first part of this strategically important piece of infrastructure that is an investment in the country’s future stretching decades ahead."

Legislative work is continuing in both Houses of Parliament, with a House of Lords select committee currently hearing evidence about the economic case for HS2, while the hybid bill authorising Phase One is progressing through the Commons.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "HS2 is a vital part of the government’s long-term economic plan, creating tens of thousands of job opportunities for people and businesses across the country.

"This supply chain summit is crucial to ensure UK industry, people and businesses are well placed to take advantage of the tremendous opportunity the new railway presents. It is imperative we make the best use of our skills and workers in building the high speed rail network and squeeze every possible benefit from HS2."

The summit is the second of its type this month. A similar event was held in London last Friday, 17 October.

Reader Comments:

Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.

  • Roshan, Leeds

    Let's hope HS2 is delivered quickly. It's good that the completion date has been pushed forward but it's still too long in my opinion. Passenger numbers are rising, the WCML is filling and the north needs fast links to London if we want the rest of England to keep up with London.

  • Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex

    HS2 is capital investment and not one large debt as like Crossrail in comes in easy payments of £2-3 billion per year which is petty cash in government spending amounts !

    In fact as money is spent some if that money returns to the government in taxes both on incomes and spending thus further reducing the net cost .

    And of course when built it will generate revenue income for next few centuries just like GWR has .

  • Tony Pearce, Reading

    Is the Government able to borrow this money ? The debt will now count towards the Governments own huge Deficit - which unfortunately seems to be increasing again and is now over £1,450,000,000,000.