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SMEs in the West Midlands hoping to win contracts on the HS2 project can learn more about the opportunities available at a virtual event next month.

It is estimated that 400,000 supply chain opportunities will be on offer during construction of the first phase of the high-speed rail project between Birmingham and London.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is hosting the summit targeting small and medium companies where he will be joined by HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston and some firms which have already secured contracts.

Mr Street said: "HS2 isn't just about higher speed rail.

"It's about bringing higher economic growth to the region and higher paid, higher skilled jobs to local people right across the whole of the West Midlands.

"That's why this summit is so important.

"Aimed specifically at small- and medium-sized businesses right here in the West Midlands, it's designed to give local employers every opportunity to secure the supply chain contracts that are coming with HS2.

"These jobs aren't just in construction because, as work on the new line ramps up over the next few months and years, there will be many thousands more opportunities for a wide variety of local businesses."

The online event runs from 11.45am to 1.30pm on October 14 - to register attendance visit