Currall Lewis & Martin Construction Ltd is the first to win a lucrative contract through the Black Country LEP HVM City business procurement tool. The company, which specialises in civil engineering, bridge building and conservation projects, has won a prestigious £400,000 contract to construct a multi-use bat house with LM – a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons. LM is HS2 Ltd’s enabling works contractor for the northern section delivering the first phase of the London to the West Midlands route.

As part of the preparations for the UK’s new high speed railway, HS2 is starting to create wildlife habitats along the linear route which provides suitable accommodation for all indigenous wildlife including endangered species such as bats. CLM, with support from the Black Country Growth Hub via Sandwell Council’s Business Growth Team, accessed the opportunity through the HVM City online portal which allows companies to register tender opportunities as well as companies and individuals being able to access tender opportunities.

The HVM City Platform, which is directly aligned with the HS2 Procurement Portal, enables inward investment opportunities, drives supply chain development and integration and supports major contract delivery from start to finish.

Ron Pinfield, Managing Director of CLM said: “We’ve always found Sandwell Council’s supply chain initiatives have given us great impetus. Their efforts in creating an opportunity gateway to alert suppliers to prospective business through the HVM City Procurement Portal and enabling local firms to meet with main contractors at the pre-award stage of major projects such as HS2 has proved to be invaluable to small firms like ours.”

Pivotal to CLM’s success has been the opportunity to meet with the buyers and engage with design decision-makers directly involved with the conservation projects through the support of the Black Country Growth Hub. The effect of the new business will generate a demand for materials and sub-contract processes which will filter further down the supply chain, which in turn will create apprenticeships, BIM training opportunities, generate and sustain jobs.

Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economy, Councillor Paul Moore, explained “Sandwell Council’s business engagement strategy is simple: to be the most progressive procurement and supply chain management service,” he said. “We are keen to help businesses connect, gain insight, build knowledge and become better equipped to win contracts on flagship regeneration projects in the Midlands. So it’s great news to learn about Sandwell firms winning business on this iconic rail transportation project”.

Andy Cox, Black Country LEP Board Member said: “It is fantastic to see Black Country companies such as CLM leading the way in seizing the business opportunities available through projects like HS2. CLM have been able to make the most of the HVM City online portal demonstrating that our business procurement tool not only works but is enabling businesses in our area to maximise inward investment opportunities.”

For further information on how the Black Country Growth Hub can provide appropriate business support visit their website