On Friday 22 October I shall be pleased to attend and address a presentation and networking event, hosted by Havering Means Business, with the Lower Thames Crossing to highlight how local SMEs may become involved in the supply chain for this ambitious project.

If approved, the Lower Thames Crossing will provide a tremendous opportunity for the local economy, supporting 22,000 jobs in a huge variety of roles during the six year building phase. During regular discussions with the project team I have consistently called for the project to make use of local businesses within the supply chain to ensure that the local area can realise the absolute maximum economic benefit from this project. The project will provide opportunities for people working in a wide range of industries including highly skilled engineers, architects, designers, caterers, sign makers and IT support.

I am therefore very pleased to have introduced the Havering Means Business and Lower Thames Crossing Teams to one another to facilitate this event. Attendees will hear directly from the Project Director, Shaun Pidcock, who will outline his ambitions for the project and how SME’s and local businesses can play a key part in the projects supply chain, in line with the Governments aspiration of ensuring 30% of all procurement spend it with SMEs. After presentations, attendees will be able to speak directly with the project team on how their business can get involved with the project and to network with other local businesses.

To register for this free event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hmb-presents-julia-lopez-mp-and-the-lower-thames-crossing-tickets-167727305887?fbclid=IwAR2YjIcq7jRa48bfIbB6m2y3Phm8hoqZ_T6GOOBN43lHtUBRVpyYa2lWQA0

I look forward to meeting once again with Havering Means Business, local employers and the Lower Thames Crossing project team.