More firms being won over by HS2 claims Greater Birmingham Chamber

AN increasing number of businesses in Greater Birmingham think that the HS2 rail link between Birmingham and London will have a positive impact, according to a new survey.

The study, conducted by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, also reveals there has been a significant increase in the number of firms supporting the project since September last year, with a consequent decline in the number who think there will be a negative impact.

The survey, conducted over the first quarter, shows 44% of firms believe the Birmingham to London connection would have a significant positive impact.

A third (33%) thought there would be a slight positive impact with 19% believing there would be no impact. The remaining 4% expected negative impacts of various degrees.

Almost half (45%) of firms said they believed that a national HS2 network would have a significant positive impact on the region with 35% saying it would have a slight significant impact.

Small businesses with up to 19 employees were more likely to view HS2 as significantly positive (51% compared with a Greater Birmingham average of 45%).

Almost a third (31%) of firms in South Staffordshire see HS2 as significantly positive compared to 26% in the previous quarter.

Support was strong in Solihull where 85% of firms saw HS2 as either significantly or slightly positive. There were no firms in the town which believed the project would have a negative impact.

Tim Pile, Birmingham chamber’s president, said: “This is an extremely welcome and positive trend. It proves there is a growing realisation of the economic and rail capacity benefits of HS2.

“We urge the government to press on and build HS2. It will deliver over 50,000 jobs and £4.1bn per year to our region alone.

“HS2 comes with tremendous opportunities to regenerate parts of the city, implement a comprehensive package of transport improvements, and up-skill the region’s workforce.

“Businesses in the region also believe in a direct link to HS1 and the chamber is committed to campaigning for that to happen.”