Birkenhead shipyard and engineering firm is holding a suppliers’ conference in Wirral later this month aimed at potential Tier 1 and Tier 2 sub-contractors and the wider supply chain. Tony McDonough reports

Shipyard and engineering firm Cammell Laird is stepping up its bid to grab a slice of a £1.25bn plan by the Royal Navy to build a new generation of frigates.

The Birkenhead business is holding a suppliers’ conference in Wirral later this month and says there are still places left for those who would like to be sub-contractors on the project.

Being held at the Village Hotel in Bromborough on Tuesday, February 20, the event has been organised in partnership with industry body, the Society of Maritime Industries.

Last September, the Government unveiled its new National Shipbuilding Strategy which included a plan to procure new Type 31e General Purpose Frigates.

A price cap has been set of no more than £250m each for the first batch of five frigates. In line with standing UK policy on warships they will be built in the UK and the aim is to have the first vessels in service by 2023.

Cammell Laird is bidding for the tender as prime contractor, in a teaming agreement with BAE Systems with a warship design known as ‘Leander’.

Type 31e project director Tony Graham said: “The conference is aimed at Tier 1 and Tier 2 sub-contractors and the wider supply chain.

“The day will include presentations from Cammell Laird senior management on the overall programme and will be followed by an opportunity for suppliers to engage in one-to-one discussions with procurement and technical managers from the shipyard. There will also be an opportunity for delegates to tour the shipyard.”

Mr Graham said the conference is open to UK and international businesses reflecting the export nature of the programme.

The price per delegate, including refreshments and the networking buffet lunch, is £125 + VAT (Total £150). For more details and to book click here.