UK businesses are being urged to register their interest in becoming an HS2 supplier.

HS2 has launched a new supplier guide and says firms of all sizes could access the multi-million pound pipeline of contract opportunities with HS2’s construction partners.

Construction of the first phase of Britain’s new railway, between Birmingham and London, is expected to generate around 400,000 contracts, with an estimated £25bn worth of opportunities expected to flow out into the wider supply chain over the coming years.

HS2’s new supplier guide sets out its strategic goals and buying objectives and introduces the Tier 1 construction partners together with links to their procurement and supply chain teams.

It also contains guidance on how suppliers, no matter what level they may sit within the value chain, can organise themselves and get ready to seize the opportunities of working on HS2. 

HS2 stipulates that its construction partners must promote all subcontract opportunities on CompeteFor, where businesses can also set up a company profile, within minutes, and receive tailored alerts for opportunities that match their trade. 

HS2 also publishes all indirect contract opportunities on its website, with more than 900 contract opportunities currently available.

HS2’s construction is already supporting more than 27,000 jobs, with over 2,550 UK-based business actively engaged in the supply chain.

Ruth Todd, chief commercial officer at HS2, said: “HS2 provided a lifeline to thousands of UK-based SMEs during the pandemic, and in these challenging economic times, it’s vital that British businesses of all sizes gear up to capitalise on the certainty that HS2 contracts provide.

“With a two-decade long construction programme ahead of us, our contractors need a robust, reliable, and resilient supply chain. Whether seeking to diversify or broaden their client base, now is the time for businesses to get HS2-ready.”

Click here to find out more about joining HS2’s supply chain