HS2 is making it easier for the supply chain to see how they can get involved in the project.
The Rail Supply Group (RSG) said that the number one priority for UK rail was improving the visibility of the work pipeline.
HS2, subsequently, has signed up to RSG’s Group Work Pipeline Visibility Charter, and it is ensuring Technical Specifications for all its Rail Systems packages are publicly available.
Darren James, Rail Supply Group’s Work Pipeline Visibility Charter Champion and CEO at Keltbray, said: “We are absolutely delighted that HS2 has signed the RSG’s Work Pipeline Visibility Charter.
“Through sharing work pipelines, organisations throughout the supply chain can plan and deliver with far more confidence. And, importantly our evidence suggests it will improve supply chain productivity significantly.
“By signing this important government-backed Charter, HS2 joins Network Rail as a key client signatory. This is a big step towards making work pipeline visibility ‘business as usual’, creating a far more collaborative working environment for us all.”
This means that potential tier two and three suppliers can access the same level of technical information as tier one businesses bidding for HS2’s key Railway Systems contracts – which have an estimated value of over £3 billion and cover track, overhead line, mechanical & electrical, telecoms, power and signalling.
Robin Lapish, senior supply chain manager at HS2, said: “We’re acting on feedback to provide UK businesses with a heads up on the opportunities that will soon filter down from HS2’s multi-billion-pound rail systems contracts.
“This enhanced transparency puts smaller businesses in a strong position, allowing them to engage directly with our main contractors and gear up for the vast programme of work that’s on the horizon.”
Kate Jennings, railway industry association director, and High Speed Rail Group board director, said: “We are really pleased to see HS2 Ltd improving the visibility of upcoming work for rail businesses.
“The greater visibility rail suppliers have, whether multi-nationals or SMEs, the better they are able to plan and invest in the teams and capabilities needed to deliver complex projects, such as on HS2, ultimately allowing them to deliver even more jobs and investment across the UK. Given the importance and the scale of the project, greater visibility of supply chain opportunities will be vital to ensuring it is delivered as efficiently as possible too.
“The industry looks forward to continuing to support HS2, a truly transformational project that will help spur an economic recovery whilst improving connectivity for people across the UK.”
HS2 has already published its Rolling Stock Train Technical Specification to enable component manufacturers and suppliers to understand HS2’s requirements fully and consider their product offerings.
HS2 expects to begin awarding its core Railway Systems contracts from the end of this year.
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