County businesses to benefit most in south east from huge £10bn HS2 cash pot

HS2 will meet with hundreds of firms and industry groups at the events held in London and Manchester next month, as the ambitious rail plan moves towards its expected construction work in 2017

So far 51 businesses – employing a total of 100,00 people – froom the south east region have put themselves forward for the event, but Herts’ input alone is more than the whole north east area’s response altogether.

County-based companies which could have an historic role in the project include Graham Construction, Volker Fitzpatrick, RSK Environment Ltd, VINCI Plc and McNicholas.

A further two businesses attending are from neighbouring Buckinghamshire, and six are in Oxfordshire.

HS2 will be Europe’s biggest construction project, linking eight of Britain’s 10 biggest cities.

Once complete, it is estimated HS2 will support in excess of 100,000 jobs nationwide.

HS2 Chief Executive, Simon Kirby said: “Building HS2 is a massive, long-term project; one that offers huge opportunity for large and small companies right across the country.

“To construct it; and then bring it to life will require a vast range of skills and expertise, some of which we have and some we’ll need to develop. Put simply, HS2 is a huge transport, investment and economic opportunity.

“And to deliver a project of HS2’s scale and complexity we are committed to working with companies who share our collaborative values.

“We are also determined to build on Crossrail’s success where 97% of contracts were placed with UK-based firms.

“So, I am extremely pleased that so many firms have already shown an interest in helping to deliver HS2. I would encourage all firms large or small to get involved.”

The HS2 Supply Chain Conferences will be held in London on October 17 and Manchester on October 23.

Interested parties can get more information by emailing [email protected]