Greater Birmingham firms ‘must take advantage’ of HS2 contracts

BUSINESSES in Greater Birmingham need to take full advantage of the Government’s HS2 development programme, the area’s chamber of commerce has said.

The search for a company to design, build and maintain a fleet of state-of-the-art high speed trains for the HS2 network has been officially launched by the Government.

Providing a world class passenger experience is at the heart of the requirements for companies interested in bidding for the £2.75bn contract.

Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “I’m sure our local businesses will relish the opportunity to try and secure the contract, and subsequent supply chain opportunities.

“With Birmingham at the heart of the high speed network, local firms are ideally equipped to provide the technical and structural nous required to obtain the investment worth £2.75bn.

“Given that this particular project will create hundreds of jobs, this is another clear sign that HS2 are delivering on their long-term objectives – to address the manufacturing needs of the country, investing in the workforce and continuing to tackle the skills gap which holds the key to boosting productivity and unlocking the region’s rich economic potential.”

He said the pending invocation of Article 50 would inevitably bring a degree of uncertainty for local firms, so opportunities such as this one should be grasped.

The terms of the tender suggest up to 60 high specification trains will be needed for the new rail line.

The development is likely to create hundreds of new jobs, and with the National College for High Speed Rail being based in Birmingham then the programme will mean a boost to the region’s skill base.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Launching the hunt for a manufacturer of these trains is a major step towards Britain getting a new railway which will carry over 300,000 people a day, improve connections between our great cities, generate jobs, and helping us build an economy that works for all.

“Hundreds of jobs will be created in building and maintaining these trains, representing a great opportunity for British based businesses and suppliers.

“In total 25,000 jobs and 2,000 apprenticeships will be created during HS2 construction and we have held discussions with UK suppliers to make sure they are in the best possible position to win contracts.”

Chris Rayner, HS2 Ltd managing director – railway operations, said: “We are looking for a supplier who is capable of delivering and maintaining some of the world’s most advanced rolling stock, with designs putting the passenger at their heart to ensure seamless, accessible, fast and reliable journeys.

“Starting from 2026, our trains will be used by tens of thousands of people every day, bringing the benefits of high speed rail not only to the core network, but also onward to places like Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston and Wigan.”

Royal Assent for Phase One of the hybrid Bill is expected shortly and building work on the Birmingham to London section of HS2 will start in the spring.

The design contract will be awarded in 2019.

The successful bidder will also maintain the fleet from the dedicated rolling stock depot planned for Washwood Heath. The site will also be home to the HS2 Network Control Centre.