You’re invited to attend a virtual conference on Thursday 9 June 2022 and hear directly from those involved in the HS2 project about supply chain opportunities for West Midlands businesses.

About HS2

As you may be aware, HS2 is a £100bn+ investment in the UK’s rail infrastructure. The West Midlands is at the heart of the new network. In this region alone, there will be two brand new stations, the HS2 Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot and the Network Infrastructure Control Centre, serving the the whole high-speed rail network.

Recognising the potentially transformational opportunities for the region’s businesses, the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) wants to maximise the number of West Midlands businesses that benefit from the investment.

About the virtual conference

At this free virtual conference on Thursday 9 June (3-5pm), you can hear directly from HS2 buyers about what the project means for local SMEs regarding upcoming business opportunities. The WMCA is keen to stress that the event is not just for businesses in the construction industry; that many types of suppliers will be needed.

Chaired by Councillor Ian Courts, Portfolio Lead for Environment, Energy & HS2, the session will include:

1. Strategic overview of HS2

• Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, will outline the importance of HS2 to the West Midlands, how it underpins the region’s ambitions and how important the project will be to the region’s post-Covid-19 recovery plans; plus how the WMCA is supporting its residents and businesses to become part of the project.

• Mark Thurston from HS2 Ltd will outline the size and scale of HS2, updating you on where the project currently is and highlighting that the opportunities for West Midlands businesses extend beyond the region – covering the whole of the route.

2. Bringing HS2 to life

• Kai Ogunbanjo from Trinity Assets (a company that offers affordable housing to HS2 workers) will talk through his experience of accessing the HS2 supply chain and the benefits that it has provided him and his business.

• Apprentices at Mott MacDonald will share their journeys into engineering; talk about the work they currently undertake as a direct result of HS2 and how this work will impact their future career aspirations.

• A representative from Balfour Beatty Vinci will talk through live and forthcoming opportunities, and exactly how businesses can become part of the supply chain.

3. Panel Q&A session

Spaces are limited, so sign up soon, via this Eventbrite link.

Image courtesy of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

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