HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson is calling on businesses in the West Country to consider applying for contracts in the project's supply chain.
The MP said firms in the region were "well placed" to bid for work on the multi-billion-pound infrastructure project, which has seen costs rise a further £1.7bn due to the pandemic.
The official budget for the scheme is £98bn in 2019 prices, but last year the government-commissioned warned the final bill for HS2 could be as much as £106bn.
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In February, a report found Businesses in the South West could benefit if the HS2 network was changed to an ‘x-shape’ to run through the whole region.
The study proposes changing existing ‘y-shaped’ plans for HS2, which seeks to cut journey times between London and the Midlands, Leeds and Manchester.
Greengauge 21, a not-for-profit organisation suggested the changes could be achieved by electrifying lines from Bromsgrove station, south of Birmingham, through Gloucestershire to Bristol Parkway and then on to South West stations such as Plymouth and Penzance.
Mr Stephenson is now planning to host a free online event to show South West SMEs how to register an interest in joining HS2’s supply chain.
The one-hour business webinar, on Wednesday (July 14) will include an opening address from the minister, as well as the opportunity to hear from local firms which are already working on the project.
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They will share their personal experiences of how HS2 has helped their business to grow, along with tips and advice on how to stand out as a winning bidder.
“HS2 is at the heart of the Government’s commitments to build back better after the Covid-19 pandemic, level up communities and drive economic growth across the country," said Mr Stephenson.
“The vast majority of contracts on HS2 have gone to British businesses, so I’d encourage businesses to get involved and take the opportunities offered by this once in a generation investment in our country’s transport infrastructure.”
HS2 Limited said the South West was home to some of the 海角视频’s "most recognised" talent pools and was leading the way in the electronics, aerospace and digital media sectors.
Robin Lapish, HS2’s supply chain manager added: "In the current climate, local businesses are looking for confidence and assurance in the supply chain and a contract with HS2 provides that.
"My advice to small businesses is to invest an hour of your time - HS2 isn’t just about track and trains, and that’s exactly what this webinar will demonstrate.”
The business webinar is taking place at 11am and is free to attend. Tickets are available through the Eventbrite website.
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