WITH the highly controversial multi-billion pound planned Lower Thames Crossing now seemingly unstoppable, despite a viable financial plan in place, National Highways is offering businesses in south Essex and Kent the chance to tout for its business.

After years of excavations National Highways plans to start work on construction this year, and with at least £1 in every £3 from the construction budget due to be spent with small and medium-sized businesses, it says there are lots of opportunities for local firms on the horizon.

Sixty local firms attended an event at South Essex College in Grays on Thursday (29 January), hosted by Thurrock Jen Craft. It was the first of a number of planned roadshows to inform local businesses about the project's low-carbon requirements, as well as help them easily locate and bid for work.

The project is also calling for more local firms to sign up to its Supply Chain Directory, where they can keep in touch with the latest news and updates. Around 1500 SMEs have registered so far. 

From left: Trini Evans, Head of Construction & Engineering at South Essex College Grays, Jen Craft MP for Thurrock, Brad Brookes, College Principal at South Essex College Grays, Natalie Bonnick, Lower Thames Crossing.

Mrs Craft said: "I've been very clear that I want local people to benefit from this national infrastructure project. 

"That's why I'm pleased Thurrock's businesses are being given the training and information they need to secure competitive construction contacts, supporting the creation of well-paid jobs. 

"I'll keep working with the Lower Thames Crossing team to ensure local employers are the first to benefit from the support and investment this project will bring."

Natalie Bonnick, Head of Supply Chain Development, Skills, Education & Employment for the Lower Thames Crossing said: "With work on the crossing starting this year, there are exciting opportunities for local businesses to get involved and win work on one of Britain's most important economic projects. That could feel daunting, so these roadshows will support firms and guide them through the process to give them the best possible chance of success." 

As enabling work on the new road and tunnel ramps up, a huge variety of materials and services will be needed, ranging from earthworks specialists to caterers and machinery hire to waste management.

Local jobseekers will benefit too, as National Highways says it plans to recruit almost half of workers from within 20 miles of the scheme. The first of the project's Skills Hubs opened last year in Kent, giving local people the chance to upskill in construction free of charge. The topics of the training courses are matched to the project's immediate needs and upcoming vacancies, and those completing the courses are guaranteed interviews with local firms. 

An additional Skills Hub in Essex is due to open in 2027.

The project received planning permission in March 2025. In the Budget last year the Chancellor committed the final part of public funding that will enable the private sector to take forward construction and long-term operation of the new road.

There is still a funding shortfall, estimated by some to be as much as nine billion pounds, to be found from the private sector.

Supply Chain Directory

Any local firm or SME interested in attending should register on the Lower Thames Crossing's Supply Chain Directory here: Register your interest – Supply Chain Directory - National Highways

More information on the Lower Thames Crossing Skills Hubs: Skills Hubs - National Highways