LOCAL firms are being urged to stake a claim to become suppliers to the controversial HS2 rail project.

Two Bradford firms – steel wire and coatings specialist Bekaert Ltd at Low Moor and Wyke-based supply chain training company Lumos – are among 55 Yorkshire business to have registered for two supply chain conferences being held by HS2 Ltd in October.

The events, in London and Manchester, are designed to help firms gear up to bid for more than £10billion worth of contracts to build the planned new north-south high speed rail network, which is set to be Europe’s biggest construction project.

Simon Kirby , HS2 chief executive, said: “Building HS2 is a massive, long-term project; one that offers huge opportunity for large and small companies right across the country.

“To construct it; and then bring it to life will require a vast range of skills and expertise, some of which we have and some we’ll need to develop.

“So, I am extremely pleased that so many firms have already shown an interest in helping to deliver HS2. I would encourage all firms to get involved.”

The conferences will be held in London on October 17 and Manchester on October 23. For more information visit: SCC@hs2.org.uk Details of the HS2 opportunities comes as manufacturing bosses are calling on the Government to establish a UK Infrastructure Authority to address the nation’s long-term strategic infrastructure needs.

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said the body would also bring coherence to debates on infrastructure challenges and encourage vitally needed investment to support growth and competitiveness.

It aims to end decades of political wrangling and poor planning.

Andy Tuscher, EEF regional director, said: “Political prevarication and policy reversals have left Britain in the slow lane in developing its infrastructure.

“The neglect of our roads, the indecision on expanding airport capacity and the agonising over high speed rail routes connecting our major cities have only served to exacerbate the feeling that Britain’s infrastructure is not geared up to support growth.

“We now have the opportunity to put in place a new independent system that will aid long-term planning, supporting more of a consensus-based approach in identifying future needs.

“All political parties need to commit to this in their forthcoming manifestos.”