Stoke’s BSF plans were signed-off before the scheme was scrapped by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

Main contractors Balfour Beatty, Thomas Vale/Wates (TVW consortium) and the ICT contractor, RM Group will lead plans to refurbish or rebuild every secondary and special school including five brand new academies.

Detailed planning is well under way at two sample schools with Balfour Beatty due to start work on a brand new school in the Trent Vale area of the city before Christmas.

Thomas Vale/Wates consortium will start work on refurbishment at the city’s Haywood Engineering College in spring next year.

Local construction network Build Up North Staffordshire is organising a BSF Meet the Buyer forum on Thursday October 7th.

The aim of the event is to encourage local suppliers from builders and plumbers to electricians and window firms to talk one-to-one with BSF’s main contractors

Cabinet member for regeneration at Stoke City Council, Councillor Mervin Smith, said: “We think there are around 200 businesses that might be able to offer their services to the contractors involved in the BSF programme, and this will be an ideal opportunity for them to meet face to face with the decision makers.”

To register for the event at the Britannia Stadium contact Samantha Wood on 01782 232398 or email sam.wood@stoke.gov.uk