24 April 2023
Latest data from HS2 shows that subcontracts totalling £7.9 billion have been awarded to over 2,000 UK-based companies.
SMEs secured a 45 per cent share of the contracts, worth a total of £3.6 billion. The East of England, West Midlands, Greater London and the South East each amassing over £1 billion worth of contracts. £1.9 billion worth of work has been awarded to medium-sized businesses (50-250 employees), £677 million to small businesses (11-49 employees) and just over £1 billion to micro businesses (1-10 employees).
Contracted services include groundworks, archaeology, technology systems, and the manufacturing of parts, components and personal protective equipment.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “These figures demonstrate the significant opportunities HS2 offers to UK businesses and supply chains. Not only is it transforming services on our railways, but it’s creating new opportunities for growth and supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs right across the country.
“The benefits of HS2 will be felt for generations to come, creating extra capacity on our rail network and providing a sustainable option for travel, while boosting a skilled construction workforce in the process.”
Two Decades of Construction Until HS2 is Complete
The building of the HS2 network is one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the UK to date, and several delays to predicted progress have been announced since construction began in 2020.
In April 2023, it was confirmed that the planned train line between Old Oak Common and Euston would be delayed after the government announced the line between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street would be prioritised. Work on Euston Road commenced in February 2023.
Phase one of HS2 is due to complete between 2029 and 2033.
Picture: a photograph of a person wearing construction PPE, including an HS2-branded protective hard hat standing between two large construction vehicle tyres. Image Credit: HS2
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 24 April 2023
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