The Government Minister overseeing HS2 has told businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire they will benefit from the new line.
HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani was in the West Midlands to meet business leaders from the region’s Chambers of Commerce including Martyne Manning, policy manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
They were told that the projected benefits of the new line included 104,000 new jobs, 2,000 apprenticeships, £14bn worth of additional economic input and connectivity improvements around the region.
Martyne said that it was vital for companies across Coventry and Warwickshire to make sure they benefit from HS2.
She said: “It was great to meet Nus Ghani with colleagues from Chambers across the West Midlands.
“We all know about the history of HS2 but, whatever the different viewpoints on it in the past, it’s absolutely vital now that businesses recognise that this massive infrastructure project is happening and look to benefit from it.
“For some, that means getting involved now at this stage and seeing if they can be part of the development of the line and deliver some of the work involved.
“In the vast majority of cases, however, it is looking at HS2 and seeing if its arrival can make a difference to your business in the coming years. Can it connect you to new customers, suppliers or staff?
“The Minister told the meeting that there will be a whole range of benefits to the region and now it’s up to all of us to make sure that we make the most of it.
“Improved and modernised infrastructure is something the Chamber continues to call for and we will be updating members through our branch network on the progress of HS2.
“Also, we are working with individual businesses via our business support programme to advise them on where information can be found on the tender process. We are helping businesses to be at the forefront for contracts for HS2 as it develops.
“This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects for a generation and it is vital that it makes a huge positive economic impact on our region.”