EEF comment on HS2 contract awards

Commenting on the announcement of contracts today for HS2, Chris Richards, Head of Business Environment Policy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said:

“Today's announcement marks another step in the delivery of this major infrastructure project. UK manufacturers who have invested over the last few years to provide components and equipment for Crossrail will welcome today's opportunity to maximise on this expertise in providing for HS2. 

“Beyond this manufacturers also want to see significant investment in commuter rail lines across the country as an opportunity to widen access to the talent pools they need for their business. The Government and new Metro Mayors must urgently press ahead with these lines, such as High Speed 3 linking Liverpool with Hull, to balance national connectivity with regional ones. This will help ensure all parts of Britain have ready access to the talent, supply chains and export gateways that a post-Brexit Britain will need.”