Since extending an invite in January for small and medium-sized businesses to get involved in the nine-mile dualling scheme, a total of 65 companies have already registered their interest, with 60% of those from within the county of Cornwall.
Of the companies registered so far with contractors Costain, a large percentage are involved in civil engineering, building and civil works, security, facilities management and landscaping, together with other professional services such as business supply, hospitality catering, cleaning, environmental and waste management.
Josh Hodder, Senior Project Manager for the Highways England scheme, is delighted with the response so far and is encouraging even more businesses to get involved. He said: The scheme has numerous benefits, not only in improving journey reliability, safety and local connectivity, but also in unlocking economic growth in Cornwall and the wider South West region.
Employing local people will also bring economic benefits during the construction phase of the project, and we will also be engaging with local schools and colleges to inspire, offer support and advice and to promote careers within the industry.
The scheme is not just limited to larger, national and international companies, we’re encouraged by the response so far, and we’re keen for more local and regional businesses to get the chance to work with the project. 2021 is going to be a big year for the A30 project and we urge businesses to get in touch now, so we can start to help them prepare. Construction work on the A30 dualling scheme between the Chiverton and Carland Cross roundabouts (visualisation here) will start in earnest this summerThe company, responsible for England’s major A roads and motorways, is working closely with Costain, who are currently forming their own supply chain, providing opportunities for sub-contractors and sub-consultants to bid for work and become part of the extended supply chain. And working with the Department for Work and Pensions and The Prince’s Trust, Costain is also looking to employ 10 people through the local Kick Start programme and is aiming to recruit 45 apprentices to work in various capacities as part of the project team. John Lee, Senior Project Manager for Costain, said:
One of the key benefits of the new A30 will be to unlock economic growth in the area. We want our project to start this growth immediately, by employing local people and developing them in sustainable jobs our local communities can benefit straight away. Over the duration of the project, we will be engaging with young people, getting them thinking about a career in construction and if they’re interested giving them opportunities to learn and achieve their ambitions.
The move has been warmly welcomed by Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, who said:
I am delighted to see Highways England’s work on the A30 upgrade continue, with interest from companies across Cornwall in contributing towards this vital piece of infrastructure. It is also good to see Costain working with the local Jobcentre and Prince’s Trust by participating in the DWP’s new Kickstart Scheme and providing invaluable practical on-the-job training via apprenticeships for local people.
This project will unlock economic growth and improve connectivity across Cornwall and I look forward to visiting again soon to see the progress.
Highways England has also partnered nationally with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to provide free online training. This helps smaller companies to upskill and places them in a better position to tender for work on larger infrastructure projects, such as the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme.