9 February 2015

HS2 expected to boost business for a third of SME's

Although construction is not expected to begin before 2017, many small business owners are already hoping they will see the benefit. Results from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer, shows a third of small to medium sized business owners expected to see positive impact from HS2 and 52% of these expect to increase their potential future growth as a result of better connections between cities.

It is hoped the project, which is mooted to generate almost £60 billion in user benefits as well as around £13billion wider economic benefits, will form part of Britain’s core economic infrastructure when complete. In theory HS2 will bring a range of benefits to business across the UK. Enhanced connectivity should boost productivity and bring opportunities for increased trade. It’s also worth noting that it will give opportunities outside London a chance to make a wider contribution to the economy