Businesses 'overwhelmingly' approve HS2, says chamber
Almost three-quarters of businesses in Birmingham and Solihull are in favour of the planned high-speed rail link (HS2). According to research from the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, 72 per cent of businesses believe HS2 will open up inward investment, employment and economic prosperity opportunities to the region.
Christine Braddock, Birmingham Chamber’s president, said: “Reduced travel times and increased capacity will create new market opportunities, attract inward investment and increase the region’s access to customers.”
The survey also revealed that 75 per cent thought HS2 could have a similar impact here to abroad. Countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and China all use high-speed rail.
Braddock added: "Unemployment in our region is 9.7 per cent so developing sustainable long-term jobs is paramount. We require skilled jobs that won’t disappear, which this region has failed on over the last decade.
"With London benefiting from Crossrail and Thameslink, the business community here in Birmingham is desperate to also benefit from investment in first-class transport links which would no doubt help re-balance the economy."
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Go-HS2 alliance.
