The High Speed Rail Group represents companies with experience and an interest
in high speed rail, most of whom are delivering high speed rail lines all over the
world. With this perspective our members know the enormous economic, social
and environmental benefits that a well connected modern railway delivers.
In the UK, HSRG members are building Phase 1 of HS2, investing to create world
class supply chains. From civil and structural engineering, including designing
bridges and viaducts that navigate complex terrains, to the use of artificial
intelligence to optimise operations and enhance safety, the project has played a
pivotal role in developing a supply chain with highly specialised knowledge and
skills.
This investment means that the UK is now considered a leader in areas like
off-site manufacturing for the construction industry, including minimising carbon
emissions during construction and with exemplary environmental practices
developed to mitigate the project’s ecological footprint and preserve biodiversity
on the line of route. The UK is now a key player in the international tunnelling industry, contributing valuable experience and capabilities to the global infrastructure sector. Skills development and apprenticeships across all of these disciplines are bringing forward the next generation of talent in the UK.
We stand ready to work with Government and other stakeholders to develop and
deliver efficient and affordable plans for new lines in the UK which tackle the
country’s fundamental challenges to build a growing economy, spread
prosperity around our nations and regions, and meet the climate imperative.
We remain of the view that Britain needs a new intercity rail network for the nation to compete economically. Our future prosperity, particularly that of less affluent areas, demands it.
Improved Connectivity: connecting regions more efficiently and sustainably than traditional rail or road networks, reducing the economic isolation of less-developed regions.
Business and Investment Opportunities: better connectivity attracts businesses, leading to the development of new economic hubs outside of London and the Southeast, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth in these areas.
Infrastructure Investment: Developing a high-speed rail network requires significant infrastructure investment, stimulating economic activity and create jobs in and around the construction and engineering sectors, which has a multiplier effect on the economy more widely.
Skills development: better connections facilitates the movement of workers between regions, enabling the sharing of skills and knowledge, leading to the development of more diverse and competitive industries in regions that were previously less economically active.
Tourism and Hospitality: improved transport connections make it easier for tourists to explore different regions of the UK in a sustainable way, which can boost the tourism industry, leading to increased revenue for businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions – boosting local economies.
Innovation and Research Hubs: improved connectivity can support the growth of research and innovation hubs in various regions. For example universities and research institutions can collaborate more easily with businesses and other organisations, fostering innovation and economic diversification.
Social Inclusion: good rail links can improve social inclusion by providing efficient transport options for people in less-developed regions, which in turn enhances access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Reduced Travel Times: High-speed trains can significantly reduce travel times between major cities, making it more practical for people to live in one region and work in another.
We continue to support our HSR Apprentice Network
See our membership page for details of how to join the High Speed Rail Group.