The Palace of Westminster needs extensive restoration work to continue to serve as the home of our democracy for generations to come. This highly complex project to invest in one of the world’s most recognised buildings will support jobs across the UK and improve public access to Parliament. The R&R Programme aims to utilise strengths and expertise from across the whole of the UK and to support regional growth.​

The R&R Delivery Authority is co-hosting this roundtable with the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce to meet local businesses, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), training providers and local government representatives, to discuss how the Programme can create supply chain and contractual opportunities throughout the nations and regions of the UK and in particular to consider the challenges of cross border apprenticeships and skills development.​

Whilst in North Wales, following the roundtable event, representatives from the Delivery Authority will visit Gwyrch Castle to learn about their restoration and conservation project to create an appealing, accessible and inspiring place to visit.​

The Palace of Westminster has many accessibility challenges so the R&R team will also visit Caernarfon Castle to hear about the King’s Gate Project, to learn from the challenges they overcame, and to see how they made the castle more accessible by installing a lift which is believed to be a first for any similar UK World Heritage site.​

The purpose of these research visits is to apply relevant learnings to the R&R Programme.​

Andy Haynes, Commercial Director at the Houses of Parliament R&R Delivery Authority, said:​

“The restoration of the Palace of Westminster needs to be a UK-wide effort, using specialist skills and materials from around the whole of the UK to deliver a fit-for-the-future home of democracy. We are looking forward to having discussions with business leaders and local businesses a about the skills needed for the historic restoration of the Palace of Westminster, and the opportunities this will bring to organisations across North Wales.​

“This is the last of the series of roundtables we have been holding across the whole of the UK since 2021 to meet local businesses, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and training providers, to discuss how the Programme can create supply chain opportunities, increase skills and opportunities, and share learnings from other restoration projects. The relationships we have built, and knowledge gained have been invaluable.”

​Sarah Bailey, Chief Executive, West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Industry said:​

“We are delighted to be co-hosting this event with the R&R programme as the restoration of the Palace of Westminster presents an amazing opportunity for businesses across West Cheshire & North Wales to become part of the project. Businesses across the region have a rich tradition in heritage construction, restoration and conservation skills. This event will raise awareness of these unique skills and promote their continued development, to respond to this and other local restoration projects.”

​In September 2023 a similar event was hosted by the R&R Delivery Authority with South Wales Chambers of Commerce, demonstrating our commitment to engage closely with business and skills providers from across Wales. The Delivery Authority has met with over 200 SMEs, local businesses, training providers and local government officials across every area of the UK (every English region and each nation) to discuss opportunities and benefits that can be created by the R&R Programme across the whole of the UK.

​Mark Tami MP for Alyn and Deeside, and member of the R&R Programme Board, said:

“Restoring Parliament is a nationwide project so it’s great to see the restoration and renewal team in Deeside talking to our brilliant local businesses and suppliers to understand how they can get involved in this exciting work.”