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Businesses help to get on track for HS2

13/07/2017

Businesses help to get on track for HS2

A new programme has been launched to help regional businesses to tap into potential contracts for HS2.

In February 2017, HS2 was awarded Royal Assent and Phase One construction of the London to Birmingham route is set to get underway this year, presenting Midlands based manufacturers with an unprecedented supply chain opportunity. 

In response the West Midlands Manufacturing Club (WMMC), part of the University of Wolverhampton’s Business Solutions Centre, has announced the launch of a free pilot rail tender supplier scheme, ‘Get On Track’. 

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the pilot scheme aims to help businesses capitalise on the bid and tender opportunities arising from HS2 and other public procurement.

It will give SMEs a clearer understanding of the opportunities available, improving their knowledge of the tendering process; from how to access live tenders through to the documentation and evidence required and will help transform their tender writing skills to increase success rates.

The pilot programme will consist of three, one-day classroom based workshops, live webinars & dedicated 1-2-1 telephone support and 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%.

Rebecca Macdonald, Business Development Manager for the WMMC, said “The Midlands region has long been recognised as a hub for manufacturing. 

“Located at the heart of the planned HS2 network, the spotlight will inevitably be on manufacturers from the region to take their share of the available spend but we recognise some may not be at ease with formal tender processes.   

“The common misconception is that HS2 is only open to major players.  ‘Get On Track’ has been specifically designed to make the opportunity more accessible to Midlands SMEs; equipping them with the know-how and more importantly the confidence to tap into the wealth of opportunities HS2 can present for them too.”

WMMC is looking for 10 SMEs to participate in the pilot on selected dates during August and September, with the full programme expected to cost up to £3000 when it officially launches in November this year. 

Each pilot company will receive two free places, with at least one of those delegates being the employee who will be or is responsible for tendering within the business required to attend all three sessions on:

•           Thursday 24 August 2017

•           Thursday 31 August 2017

•           Thursday 7 September 2017

To express your interest in participating in the ‘Get On Track’ pilot, email: wmmc@businesssolutionscentres.co.uk

 

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ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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