Businesses urged to have their say over fast rail link

BUSINESS leaders in South and West Yorkshire are throwing their weight behind the high-speed rail scheme linking London to the North of England.
By Bernard Ginns Business Editor
Published 21st Nov 2013, 08:23 BST
Concept designs of what the HS2 train could look likeConcept designs of what the HS2 train could look like
Concept designs of what the HS2 train could look like

But the chairmen of the local enterprise partnerships in the Leeds and Sheffield city regions have urged businesses to have their own say on the scheme.

The Yorkshire Post has teamed up with law firm Nabarro to launch a region-wide survey to gauge companies’ views on the controversial project.

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This will give business people the opportunity to share their thoughts on whether they think HS2 will deliver economic benefits to Yorkshire, as well as how their own individual business might be affected.

Roger Marsh, chairman of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “While HS2 is a vital game changer for Britain as a whole, it will also provide a wealth of lasting opportunities for us regionally.

“Our businesses will be better able to compete on the global stage and our economy will get a boost from the creation of jobs – yet we know that many business people remain unsure about the advantages for their own companies. I am pleased to support a survey that seeks the wider views of businesses in Leeds City Region; it is essential that we have a clear understanding of their hopes and fears for the HS2 project.”

James Newman, his counterpart at the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I welcome this research into how the region’s businesses view HS2 and encourage business professionals to take part.

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“HS2 will accelerate economic growth and create thousands of jobs for city regions outside of London, and I expect our business community will be extremely positive about the growth opportunities that HS2 will bring to local businesses.

“The LEP board unanimously supports the Government’s plans to include a high-speed rail station in the Sheffield city region and strongly believes that the speedy delivery of HS2 is fundamental to the future growth of UK plc.”

Nabarro partner Christopher Bowes has said that the jury is still out as to whether Yorkshire’s businesses are convinced about HS2’s benefits.

“This survey will provide businesses in the region with the opportunity to express their views on the project and provide an assessment of whether the benefits will outweigh the costs,” he added.

To take part, please visit https://response.questback.com/nabarrollp/kon42nmepg/

Related topics:HS2West YorkshireNorthEnglandLondonLeedsSheffield