Lower Thames Crossing roadshow highlights opportunities for Kent businesses

Businesses near the southern end of the Lower Thames Crossing have been encouraged to explore opportunities to work on the major infrastructure project, as National Highways continues its series of Supply Chain Roadshows across the region.

The initiative is designed to help local firms understand how they can become involved in the scheme as early construction work begins. With at least one third of the project’s construction budget expected to be spent with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), National Highways says there will be significant opportunities for companies across Kent and the wider south-east.

A recent event hosted by Dr Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham, took place at The Woodville Theatre, where around 80 local businesses attended to meet representatives from the Lower Thames Crossing project team. The session provided information on upcoming contracts, the project’s low-carbon requirements, and guidance on how businesses can identify and bid for work.

Dr Sullivan said the project must deliver real benefits for the local area.

“Fundamentally, the Lower Thames Crossing will have real impacts on local residents and is likely to cause disruptions during construction,” she said. “Throughout the planning process a number of commitments were made to the people and businesses of Gravesham by the Lower Thames Crossing to mitigate the impacts.

“I have, and will continue holding the Lower Thames Crossing to those promises including, on opportunities for small and medium sized local businesses, training and employment opportunities for local people, community funds and much more. It’s only fair that these opportunities go to the local community first and that young people are supported to develop skills and build their careers.”

Natalie Bonnick, Head of Supply Chain and Skills, Education & Employment for the Lower Thames Crossing, said the roadshows are intended to make it easier for smaller firms to take part in the project.

“With work on the Lower Thames Crossing underway, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for Gravesham and wider Kent businesses to get involved and win work on one of Britain’s most important economic projects,” she said.

“That could feel daunting, but our roadshows are designed to support local firms and guide them through the process, giving them the best possible chance of success.”

As construction progresses, the project will require a wide range of suppliers and services, from earthworks contractors and plant hire companies to catering providers and waste management firms.

Businesses interested in becoming part of the supply chain are encouraged to register with the Lower Thames Crossing Supply Chain Directory, which already includes around 1,500 SMEs from across the region.

The scheme is also expected to generate employment locally. Around half of the workforce will be recruited from within 20 miles of the route, and training opportunities are already being delivered through the project’s Skills Hub in Gravesham, which provides free construction training aligned with upcoming job opportunities.

The Lower Thames Crossing will create a new road and tunnel beneath the Thames, aimed at reducing congestion at the Dartford Crossing while improving connections between the ports of the south-east, the Midlands and northern England.

The project received planning permission in March 2025, and the Government confirmed funding arrangements in last year’s Budget to enable construction and long-term operation of the new route.