BUSINESSES near the HS2 line are being urged to learn more about how they could benefit.
It comes amid ongoing protests in the region on parts of the panned route, including in Warwickshire towns and villages, as we have reported.
Firms are invited by HS2 Ltd to attend a series of webinars to find out how to get involved.
From June 24, as part of its “ongoing work to get local businesses onboard with the project”, HS2 Ltd will be launching the “Work with us Wednesdays” seminar series, delivering an online business event every Wednesday,
An HS2 Ltd spokesperson said: “To deliver HS2 successfully a wide variety of services, supplies and amenities are needed to support the construction, keep construction sites safe and operational, and support the workforce.
“During peak construction, HS2 will require 30,000 people to design and build the railway at multiple construction sites across the route. “As well as businesses from the construction sector, other services such as accommodation and catering, as well as cleaning, security and other important amenities will be required. “Local businesses will be ideally placed to provide some of these and HS2 Ltd and its contractors are committed to using local companies where possible.
“Each seminar will have a different expert speaker who will provide guidance on some of the platforms and processes that HS2 Ltd and its contractors will use to bring businesses onboard. They will also highlight some of the key values and commitments that businesses interested in becoming part of the HS2 supply chain need to demonstrate.
“Over 2,000 UK registered businesses are already working on the project and over half of these sit next to the new railway line. An estimated 400,000 supply chain contract opportunities for UK businesses will be created during Phase One of HS2, supporting thousands of jobs on site and many more around the country.
“It is estimated that around 95 per cent of those contract opportunities will be won by UK based businesses and around two thirds of those will be small and medium sized businesses.”
Businesses interested in joining these weekly seminars can find out more at hs2.org.uk/events/work-with-us-wednesdays
