Work is expected to start later this year on phase one of the HS2 high speed rail network between London and Birmingham and manufacturers in the West Midlands are being encouraged to bid on contracts for the project.

Royal assent was granted earlier this year for phase one of the £56bn project and West Midlands Manufacturing Club (WMMC) believes that this presents manufacturers in the West Midlands with unprecedented supply chain opportunities.

WMMC is a collaboration between industry, academia and local government partners with the aim of nurturing manufacturing innovation and accelerating regional growth. It offers local businesses the opportunity to access a comprehensive programme of support through the University of Wolverhampton’s Business Solutions Centres in Wolverhampton, Telford and Wrekin, and Shropshire and Herefordshire.

To help regional businesses secure contracts for the HS2 project the WMMC has launched a pilot rail tender supplier readiness programme. The ‘Get on Track’ scheme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and aims to help businesses capitalise on the bid and tender opportunities arising from HS2 and other public procurement.

The pilot scheme aims to equip SMEs with a clear understanding of the opportunities available. It will provide information about the tendering process, from how to access live tenders through to improving tender writing skills to increase success rates.

WMMC is looking for ten SMEs who currently supply, or have the potential to supply, the rail sector to take part in a free three-day pilot on selected dates during August and September.  The full programme is expected to cost £3,000 when it officially launches in November this year.

The hands-on practical programme will be delivered by rail tender experts Thornton & Lowe, whose rail supply chain clients enjoy a success rate in the sector in excess of 75 per cent.

The pilot programme will consist of three one-day classroom-based workshops, live webinars and dedicated one-to-one telephone support. Each of the ten companies will receive two free places, with at least one of those delegates being the employee who is responsible for tendering within the business.

The sessions will take place on Thursday 24 August, Thursday 31 August and Thursday 7 September.

If your business is interested in taking part please email wmmc@businesssolutionscentres.co.uk for more information. For access to the latest procurement and tendering opportunities visit our Procurement opportunities page.

 

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