Meet the Contractor 2020

The HS2 Supply Chain opportunity

Construction has now begun on Britain’s new high speed railway. Billions of pounds worth of contract opportunities are coming available over the next few years.

Over 2,000 businesses have already won work on HS2 and we want you to become part of the HS2 family. HS2 Ltd and our Main Works Civils partners are determined that work on HS2 is distributed far and wide. We’re working towards a benchmark for more than 95% of contracts to be with British based businesses and at present over two thirds of contracts have gone to small and medium sized enterprises.

The virtual event

This was the third annual ‘Meet the Contractor’ but our first virtual event. This year’s event offered potential suppliers, with relevant capability, the opportunity to learn about the HS2 project and our supply chain. Running virtual events has meant operating differently, but as Europe’s largest infrastructure project we’re used to setting new standards.

There were 24 separate sessions held over three days. 1,700 companies signed up to hear from HS2 and our six  Joint Ventures and the huge response reflects the appetite that exists to learn more about the HS2 project.

Attendees were able to connect and engage with other attendees on the event platform. Over 2,000 connections have already been made on the platform. These real connections will support businesses in building their network even before they bid for the many opportunities coming up over the next 18 months.

On the last day, 105 hosts from our JVs hosted 1-to-1 meetings with 1,000 new, potential suppliers. These meetings facilitate direct engagement and discussions on future procurement opportunities.

Webinar video playlist

The event’s 24 webinars are available on HS2’s YouTube Channel.

Meet the Contractor 2020 webinar playlist. 

This year’s focus

The first three days consisted of webinar content that covered updates on the HS2 Programme, presentations by our JVs and several broader webinars showcasing great work taking place across the project. The final day involved over 1,000 15 minute 1-to-1 meetings with our four Main Works Civil Contractors and our two Stations contractors to provide an opportunity for potential suppliers to discuss upcoming contract opportunities.

The agenda

Webinars for all

Monday 23rd: Be part of the HS2 journey

Discover this incredible project and the HS2 organisation behind it.

Tuesday 24th: Meet the Contractor

Hear from our four Main Works Contractors and two Stations Contractors. Learn about upcoming works packages relevant to you, about procurement requirements and how to bid.

Wednesday 25th: The broader context

Listen to existing subcontractors’ talk about their experience and give tips. Find out about innovation and collaboration in the HS2 family.

1 to 1 meetings for suppliers that match contractors’ categories for future demand

1 to 1 meetings.

Thursday 26th

An opportunity for micro, small, medium and large sized enterprises who are not yet part of the supply chain to prepare for the Contractors’ procurements coming in 2021 and beyond.

Friday 27 November

Networking and closing session.