Support for HS2 from businesses across the North West

Credit: pa

Business leaders across the North have issued a clear and urgent message to government: deliver HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) in full.

5000 businesses of all sizes were surveyed regarding their view on the benefits to business of Northern Powerhouse Rail and the response overwhelmingly backed plans for NPR.

Many business leaders believe that linking Leeds and Manchester with the high-speed network - would provide a significant step to rebalancing the UK economy, making the North as prosperous as the South and eradicating the North-South divide.

The survey found that:

  • 99% believe NPR would raise productivity in the Northern Powerhouse.

  • 85% believe NPR would increase inward investment.

  • 75% state a commitment to deliver NPR would allow them to make future investment decisions