A NEW survey of small firms has shown a sizeable majority believe there will no business benefits from the proposed HS2 rail link between London and the North West.
The Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Manchester & North Cheshire branch polled members on the controversial £32 billion project – which has the backing of all the main three political parties – as to whether they thought the scheme would deliver benefits for their
business if built.
When posed the question: “Do you think high speed rail (HS2) would result in meaningful benefits for businesses like yours in Greater Manchester and Ceshire?” 17.63 per cent indicated “yes”, 14.1 per cent said they were “undecided”, while the vast majority at 67.93 per cent responded “no”.
FSB regional chairman Richard Gregg said: “The Federation of Small Businesses has taken a neutral approach nationally to the development of
high speed rail, although this survey suggests – certainly in this region – that many of our members here are unconvinced HS2 will have much effect for them.
“Previous research shows only four per cent consider rail transport as crucial to their business operation, and only 21 per cent state that trains are ‘quite important’ to them.
“The facts are that most small businesses rely on the road network to conduct their business, with six in ten having no choice but to use a car/van for commercial purposes. For many small firms, the road remains king.”
He said the next government must recognise that high streets and rural businesses face unique challenges and therefore require special policy attention,
A NEW survey of small firms has shown a sizeable majority believe there
will no business benefits from the proposed HS2 rail link between London
and the North West.
Small firms see no value in HS2
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
