Companies in North Lanarkshire are being invited to learn about two major Scottish infrastructure projects and the opportunities for new work.

An event is being held on Thursday 28 February at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to tell businesses about the High Speed 2 rail initiative and a new rolling stock factory.

From 9.30am to 12.30pm, the focus will be on the UK Government's plans to invest over £60 billion in improvements to the east and west coast rail corridors to deliver three hour journey times between Scotland and London.

Then from 2.00pm to 3.10pm there will be presentation from Talgo on their announcement that Longannet in Fife is the preferred location for a new rolling stock factory, should the company secure a significant UK contract.

For further information on the event and to book your place contact North Lanarkshire Council's Enterprise Development Team on 01236 638945 or at [email protected].

High Speed 2 (HS2) will be Europe's largest infrastructure project, creating 330 miles of new rail network. It is predicted that Phase 1 alone will provide a 40,000 jobs boost. When complete, UK productivity will rise by an estimated £15bn a year, with better transport connections resulting in higher productivity through reduced production and transport costs, and greater competition between UK regions.

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HS2 are looking to engage with a range of suppliers who will benefit from understanding the scope of the project and supply chain opportunities. Representatives from the project will explain how suppliers can place themselves in the best position to bid for and win work, and ensure they understand the key strategic goals and aspects required to be part of the HS2 supply chain.

Speakers include Mark Thirston, CEO and Robin Lapish, Supply Chain Manager at HS2 and Martin Little, Commercial Director, with Rail Alliance. Julia Brown, Director High Value Manufacturing & Health, at Scottish Enterprise and Bernard Harkin, from the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, will also present.

Talgo's new facility will potentially employ at least 1,000 people, occupying an area of 70,000+ square metres. Construction of the factory will take 18 months, with additional jobs during the planning and construction phase.

Speakers from Talgo will provide an overview of the company, its ambitions in the UK and details of its supply chain strategy. They will also outline its aim for 'true manufacturing' and an 'all Britain' strategy for the proposed facility at Longannet, with ambition to protect and grow the supply chain across the UK, provide opportunities for young people, and grow the UK's industrial base.

Jon Veitch, UK Director and Carlos de Palacio, President of Talgo as well as George Davidson, Head of Rolling Stock and Lawrence Shackman, Head of Rail Infrastructure Projects at Transport Scotland will give presentations along with Paul Lewis, MD of Scottish Development International.