BUSINESSES in Thurrock are being invited to become part of the supply chain if and when when the proposed Lower Thames Crossing is built.

Highways England is today (Monday, 11 January) calling on local firms to sign up to a small medium enterprise (SME) directory, a database of local businesses and their specialists, which will be given to the main works contractors, so they have ready access to local.

Since the directory was launched in late December more than 60 businesses, ranging from printers and builders to security firms and training providers, have already entered their details.

The target is to have hundreds of businesses registered to help ensure as much of the work needed to build the Crossing goes to local firms.

Executive Director for the Lower Thames Crossing Matt Palmer said: "The Lower Thames Crossing is the most ambitious road project in nearly 35 years. At a time of huge uncertainty for the UK economy, this scheme will create tens of thousands of jobs in the local area and create many opportunities for smaller businesses.

"We need the input of businesses large and small to build the scheme, but we know the challenges of getting a foot in the door on projects of this scale, so we want to remove the barriers between businesses and our main contractors."

In October Highways England began the search for partners to deliver the scheme with the announcement of a £2 billion Tunnel and Approaches package - Highways England's single largest contract ever. The notice for two major roads packages will be released early in 2021.

On 29 January a virtual event will provide more information on businesses can find work on the programme of work. The Supply Chain Sustainability School also offers free training and resources so that SMEs can prepare to bid for work on the Lower Thames Crossing and any other major infrastructure project.

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More information can be found here