NETWORK Rail has reiterated its commitment to supporting small businesses following its 2019 pledge to increase the number of tendering opportunities on the rail network for SMEs.
In the last financial year, Network Rail directly contracted 4,388 suppliers – 3,184 (72.5 percent) of which were SMEs, an increase from 3,047 in the previous year.
Clive Berrington, Network Rail’s group commercial & procurement director, said, “UK’s rail network is the lifeblood of the country and vital to moving freight and people around. Therefore it has never been more important to support small businesses.
“Ensuring that we are more accessible to small and medium businesses, increases competition and drives down costs, while also increasing efficiency, creativity, and innovation. Small businesses continue to make a big contribution to the world’s oldest rail network, and we are pleased that we can offer opportunities to invest in the railway.”
