New jobs created as Sheffield firm takes up HS2 contract

Sheffield city centre-based railway technology company 3Squared will be working with Skanska Costain STRABAG JV, which is delivering the tunnelling programme for the southern end of the line between London Euston railway station and the M25, near Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

The three-year contract will see the company supplying its RailSmart software to form a supply chain management system, providing live performance, cost management information and operational control data.

HS2 will see a new railway line built between London and Birmingham, with further extensions to Manchester and Leeds, via Sheffield, designed to increase connectivity and cut journey times between the cities.

3Squared is working on one of an estimated 400,000 supply chain contract opportunities being created for UK businesses which will support thousands of jobs around the country.

The contract has meant that in a time of economic uncertainty, 3Squared has not only managed to retain its workforce, but has expanded, creating 13 new jobs at its head office, three of which were staff that have been employed following work placements or apprenticeships.

The contract has also enabled 3Squared to strengthen its relationship with local universities as it takes on five final-year students from Sheffield Hallam University on placement.

3Squared has recently made a £250,000 investment commitment to the north by pledging its long-term allegiance to the Sheffield city region by opening its new flagship headquarters in the heart of the city, in the Fountain Precinct, Balm Green.

Tim Jones, co-founder and managing director, said: “We are delighted to play a part in the construction of HS2, a scheme that will bring much-needed capacity to the UK rail network.

“This contract has not only led to the creation of new roles within 3Squared, but has also supplemented existing job roles.

“We are an employer that believes in investing in its workforce; improving our own diversity and inclusivity is high on our agenda and part of our culture.”

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