Voices from the worlds of politics, business and industry have come together in this report HS2 Midlands Voices – to argue that the full ‘Y shaped’ HS2 network must be completed in full to enable long-promised ‘levelling up’ of the regional and national economy. The report makes clear that HS2’s Eastern Leg is essential in ensuring the benefits of the project are shared equally across the Midlands. The East Midlands currently has the lowest transport spend per head of any region in the UK (£245), receiving 49% less than the UK average (£483) and HS2 will be essential in redressing this balance. The West Midlands has already benefited significantly from the prospect of HS2’s arrival – Deutsche Bank, HSBC and HSRG member Jacobs Engineering are examples of major businesses who have already relocated operations to Birmingham – with HS2 creating more jobs in the West Midlands than any other region outside of London. This is demonstrative of the transformative impact the scheme has already had, and will have, across the wider Midlands region.
Here is one contributor Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council Cllr Kay Cutts MBE talking about the benefits that HS2 will bring to her region.
In the midst of another national lockdown, HS2 has an important role ahead in providing the crucial economic kickstart the country will need in its economic recovery from COVID-19 – not just for the hundreds of thousands of jobs it will create or the thousands of apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities it will open up, but as contributor Paul Faulkner states “a much needed shot in the arm to business confidence” as we emerge from the crisis.
Paul Faulkner, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce talks hear about how HS2 has been the single biggest catalyst of economic growth in Birmingham and the surrounding area.
Another contributor Paddy Patterson – Skills, Employment & Education Manager at EKFB Joint Venture, one of the JV’s contracted in to deliver the Main Works Civil Engineering talks here about the important role the project has in supporting high quality jobs across the UK.
You can access the full range of contributions here: HSRG – HS2 Midlands Voices Report