Businesses in Somerset are being encouraged to bid for upcoming HS2 contracts worth millions of pounds.

Two days ago HS2 made a similar appeal for Scottish firms to come forward with both regions under represented on the contractors’ roll.

And Robin Lapish, HS2 Ltd’s Supply Chain Manager, is hopeful the considerable expertise, contained withing the sizeable supply chain supporting the Hinkley Point C nuclear project, will get involved.

He said: “We want to tap into some of that expertise in engineering, logistics and business services to support our contractors and 15,000-strong workforce.

“There are countless opportunities for South West-based businesses to be winning work into the next decade and beyond. A contract with HS2 could turbocharge growth and help sustain and create new jobs as businesses strive to bounce back from the pandemic.”

With construction of the first phase of HS2 between Birmingham and under way and the railway’s journey further North now confirmed, following the green light from government to extend to Crewe, HS2’s construction partners are reaching out to tier two and three providers to bid for upcoming subcontract opportunities.

HS2 Ltd has already awarded around £18bn worth of contracts, with a significant proportion of this value expected to flow out to the wider supply chain.  By the end of 2022, it’s estimated this figure will reach around £25bn. Over 2,000 businesses have already won work on the project, with UK-based businesses making up 98% of contracts.

Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, added: “We welcome any opportunities for our many talented Somerset businesses to win work on major infrastructure projects and would encourage them to at least start the conversation to find out more about supporting the HS2 project.

“We know from experience that projects don’t have to be on a company’s doorstep for them to win contracts and HS2 provides an opportunity to secure long-term work and stability for firms which may well have had a fairly challenging last 12 months.”

For more information about joining HS2’s supply chain visit hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/supply-chain/