With a review of HS2 ongoing, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has today released new opinion polling of London businesses about HS2.

Over 500 business leaders from businesses of varying sizes and sectors were polled by Savanta ComRes on behalf of LCCI.

• Results showed that nearly three quarters (73%) of London business leaders polled think that HS2 costs too much.
• Nearly two thirds (64%) feel that HS2 construction has or will cause too much disruption.

The polling found that business leaders recognised some HS2 economic benefits however:

• 46% agree HS2 will help bridge the North/South divide (vs. 37% disagree).
• 43% agree it will boost London’s economy (vs. 37% disagree).
• 42% agree it will boost the UK’s economy (vs. 38% disagree).

Overall, 46% of business leaders disagree that HS2 is necessary (vs. 40% agreeing it is necessary). 54% are uncertain of the benefits of HS2 (vs. 35% who say that they are not).

Commenting on the results, Peter Bishop, LCCI Chief Executive, said:

“With nearly three quarters of businesses voicing concern about the growing cost of the project, this new polling will be of significant interest to the ongoing Government review.

“It is important to note that London businesses see merits in the project for both London and the UK. However, majority concern about its necessity, costs and disruption, leave a clear challenge for the promoters of the project to effectively convey that the project is worth its mounting cost.”

ENDS

Media contact:
Steven Reilly-Hii
T: +44 (0)207 203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: sreilly-hii@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Savanta ComRes interviewed 508 London business leaders online between 30th October and 26th November 2019. Data were weighted to be representative of all London business leaders by size and broad industry sector. Savanta ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.