Delegates from 500 firms across the country have converged on Manchester Central conference centre this month to hear from High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd about what will be needed from the industry.

The HS2 scheme is set to offer an investment of £10 billion worth of contracts available for first phase between West Midlands and London, paving the way for new jobs in the trades.

Preparations are made to start building the first section of Britain’s new north-south high speed rail network that will get underway in just over two years’ time.

HS2 Ltd gathered together representatives from the rail, construction and associated industries to get them geared up to bid for work building Europe’s largest infrastructure project.

Commenting on the conferences, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Simon Kirby said:“The pace of HS2’s development is accelerating so we’re ready to hit the ground running, assuming Royal Assent in 2016.  It is excellent to see such massive support and interest from industry in making HS2 a reality and this is a great opportunity for us to meet companies from across the country.

“To build HS2 between the West Midlands and London is a huge undertaking: £10bn worth of contracts and at peak construction we’ll be employing around 40,000 people to deliver the first part of this strategically important piece of infrastructure that is an investment in the country’s future stretching decades ahead.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “HS2 is a vital part of the government’s long-term economic plan, creating tens of thousands of job opportunities for people and businesses across the country.

“This supply chain summit is crucial to ensure UK industry, people and businesses are well placed to take advantage of the tremendous opportunity the new railway presents.

“It is imperative we make the best use of our skills and workers in building the high speed rail network and squeeze every possible benefit from HS2.”