HS2 Ltd has taken a significant step in supporting its supply chain by approving the use of project bank accounts (PBAs) across key contracts on Phase One, a measure that has been welcomed by the construction sector. The use of PBAs provides greater transparency of payments and offers speedier payments for companies at all levels of the supply chain. Payments are made from one pot and do not have to cascade through multiple tiers of contractors.

Following a successful trial of PBAs on two enabling works contracts, HS2 Ltd is now working with its construction contractors to implement these across existing and future contracts. PBAs have been shown to provide an element of protection against insolvencies upstream in the supply chain. Given that HS2 will generate an estimated 400,000 contracts across its supply chain and that two-thirds of these will be won by small to medium sized enterprises, this is a significant boost of confidence for the sector.

At a time of economic concern due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this is a further step HS2 is taking to provide certainty and assurance for companies in, and aligned to, the construction industry. In May, HS2 announced that it was implementing faster payments at all levels of the supply chain in response to the pandemic.

Andy Cross, rail systems procurement director for HS2, said: “I am thrilled that we have taken this crucial step to further strengthen our fair payment policies and in so doing, support companies at all levels of the supply chain through the use of PBAs. HS2 will play a critical role in the recovery of the UK’s economy as we emerge from the pandemic, supporting and creating jobs across the construction industry. This announcement means that companies, big or small, working with us will feel confident and supported as we work together to build Britain’s new low carbon high speed railway.”

Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group, said: “As the lead campaigner for using PBAs, SEC Group applauds the decision of HS2 to use them (alongside other measures such as the abolition of retentions). In recent years we have been having a dialogue with HS2 on promoting improved payment security for HS2 supply chains. Implementing PBAs now will be a massive boost to construction SMEs struggling to make ends meet as we emerge from the current crisis. HS2 will also benefit since PBAs will encourage more collaborative working and help reduce construction costs. Given HS2’s decision there’s no longer any excuse for contracting authorities not to use PBAs.”

Government approval for the next stage of the HS2 project was given in April and has meant HS2 contractors now have the go-ahead to start building the high speed railway. As the Main Works Civils Contractors begin to move into construction and detailed design, a huge amount of new contract opportunities are being made available. Businesses interested in winning work on HS2 are encouraged to use resources available on the HS2 website, CompeteFor and through industry bodies to find out more information.