HS2 launches new supplier guide to help businesses unlock £millions in new contract opportunities

BUSINESSES of all sizes, right across the UK, are encouraged to register their interest in becoming an HS2 supplier and access the multi million pound pipeline of contract opportunities with HS2's construction partners. Construction of the 1st phase of Britain's new railway, between Birmingham and London, is expected to generate around 400,000 contracts, with an estimated £25bn worth of opportunities expected to flow out into the wider supply chain over the coming years.

Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 said:- "HS2 provided a lifeline to thousands of UK based SMEs during the Pandemic, and in these challenging economic times, it's vital that British businesses of all sizes gear up to capitalise on the certainty that HS2 contracts provide. With a 2 decade long construction programme ahead of us, our contractors need a robust, reliable, and resilient supply chain. Whether seeking to diversify or broaden their client base, now is the time for businesses to get HS2 ready."

HS2's new supplier guide sets out its strategic goals and buying objectives, and introduces the Tier 1 construction partners together with links to their procurement and supply chain teams. It also contains guidance on how suppliers, no matter what level they may sit within the value chain, can organise themselves and get ready to seize the opportunities of working on HS2.

The visibility of HS2's pipeline of contract opportunities is unrivalled for a project of its scale, demonstrating the drive to ensure that UK companies are in the best position to capitalise on upcoming contracts, regardless of which tier of the supply chain they are in.

HS2 stipulates that its construction partners must promote all subcontract opportunities on Compete For, where businesses can also set up a company profile, within minutes, and receive tailored alerts for opportunities that match their trade. HS2 also publishes all indirect contract opportunities on its website, with over 900 contract opportunities currently available.

HS2's construction is already supporting over 27,000 jobs, with over 2,550 UK based business actively engaged in the supply chain. For more information about joining HS2's supply chain, visit:- HS2.Org.UK or contact our supply chain team at:- SCC@HS2.Org.UK.
 

More strike action by Royal Mail workers is likely to result in delays

MORE postal strikes to take place on 20 October and 25 October, and 28 November 2022, over pay and terms and conditions. Royal Mail has said that over the expected to staged walkouts of 115,000 Communication Workers Union (CWU) postal workers, during the build up to Christmas, it will only be running some Special Delivery services. This stake action is expected to lead severe delivery delays of letters and parcels, particularly on the days after the strike action. To keep up-to-date with any knock on effect on deliveries, you can check the Royal Mail website, under:- "Deliveries Today." If you want to contact Royal Mail, you can call them on:- 03457740740. If you're sending something, make sure to get proof of posting. If it your post gets lost, then it'll be easier to sort out if you have proof of posting.

Applications Open for 2023/24 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Emerging Musicians Fellowship

THE annual Fellowship programme offers 4 musicians in the early stages of their orchestral careers an immersive experience of life in an orchestra, both on and off the stage. In the 2023/24 season, the Fellows will undertake 5 residencies during 5 weeks spread over the course of a year. Notably, the Fellowship programme has no upper age limit.

Fellows will be mentored by a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musician and will rehearse and perform with the Orchestra, as well as chamber ensembles. Each Fellow will participate in a tailor made training programme, including:- instrument lessons, to increase their understanding of professional orchestral life. They will have full access to the pioneering Liverpool Philharmonic Musicians Performance and Wellbeing Programme, including:- physiotherapy, sports massage, injury prevention screening, audiology, and performance psychology.

Fellows will participate in Liverpool Philharmonic's award winning Learning programmes such as In Harmony Liverpool, Music and Mental Health programme with NHS partners, and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company. Fellows will also build knowledge in various areas of the organisation, for example the music library, marketing, programming and fundraising departments.

Sameeta Gahir, Principal Piccolo, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Lead Musician for the Emerging Musicians Fellowship, said:- "Last year we received a fantastic response when we announced the launch of the Emerging Musicians Fellowship. The standard was very high and I'm excited to welcome applications for the 2nd Fellowship cohort. The Fellowship's criteria has been designed to attract the widest talent pool possible. There is no upper age limit and we would particularly encourage applications from musicians whose backgrounds are underrepresented in professional UK orchestras."

Domingo Hindoyan, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, said:- "It is vital that we support, encourage and inspire the next generation of orchestral musicians and create opportunities for them to grow professionally. The Fellowship is a unique experience where Fellows will gain an invaluable insight into orchestral life both on and off the platform. I'm looking forward to welcoming the next Fellowship cohort to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall next season."

There are 4 places available for the 2023 to 2024 Fellowship. We welcome applications from the following instruments:-

► Strings = Cello, Double Bass.

► Woodwind = Oboe, Cor Anglais with Oboe, Clarinet, Eb Clarinet and/or Bass Clarinet with Clarinet.

► Brass = Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, added:- "Applicants who are in part or full time higher education who are committed to pursuing a career in orchestral music performance, those recently out of higher education who have not yet established their orchestral career, or individuals who are considering a career change, are all encouraged to apply. We are looking for creative and motivated people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We acknowledge that our orchestra and our industry is not fully reflective of the diverse society in which we live. Therefore, at Round 1, we are taking Positive Action to prioritise applications from emerging musicians from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in UK orchestras. Where applicants declare a protected characteristic (race, gender, socio-economic status, disability, or sexual orientation), and meet all the required criteria at Round 1 (including:- performance and supplementary criteria), these applicants will be guaranteed a live audition in Round 2."

To apply for the Emerging Musicians Fellowship, please visit the Liverpool Philharmonic website for further details.
 

An ePetition has been set up to:- "Stop mowing verges on the Formby Bypass"

AN ePetition that was set up on 2 September 2022 asking Sefton Council to:- "Stop it's constant mowing of the grass on the verges and central reservation of the Formby Bypass." The ePetition information can be found on the Sefton Council website runs until New Years Eve (31 December 2022) and can be signed on the Sefton Council website as well. For many resudents and people who often head into Southport from the A565, are often hit by travel chaos due to this type of work taking place, but also could be a problem for wildlife.

The ePetition details read:- "We the undersigned petition the council to Stop the constant mowing of the grass on the verges and central reservation of the Formby Bypass The grass on the central reservation and verges of the Formby Bypass is strimmed / mowed on approximately a monthly basis. Grass verges provide a place for wildflowers to thrive, supporting crucial pollinators like bees and butterflies and creating opportunities for insect populations to recover. Much of the Formby Bypass is adjacent to farmland and therefore may even provide nesting areas for birds and small mammals. In addition, the trimming involves lane closures that cause traffic delays and increase pollution from emissions due to stationary cars. Reducing, stopping or adjusting the timings of mowing would a highly beneficial effect on both local wildlife and air quality and is supported by the:- "Life on the verge" campaign from the Wildlife Trust."

What are your thoughts on this ePetition and have you signed it, if so why? Please give us your views to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com as we would love to hear them.