Rail
The West Midlands is in the heart of the UK, and it is the centre of transport innovation in the UK. The local rail sector is leading the smart, low-carbon movement of people and goods, connecting communities to new opportunities.
This emphasis on transportation has led to a number of local institutions leading innovation in rail and logistics. We are home to Europe’s pre-eminent and largest rail research group, Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education. We are naturally positioned to reach all corners of the UK. We are the central section of the HS2 project, connecting the north and south.
Rail, transport, and logistics have never been more important. The number of opportunities and developments in the West Midlands are a testament to our long history and our exciting future.
Rail sector in the West Midlands
Railway centres of excellence
The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education has been working to improve rail technology and carry out research for 50 years. As the largest rail research group in Europe, they collaborate with companies big and small on research, development, training and innovation. For example, eligible SMEs can take part in the DIGI-RAIL project that supports entry and growth in the rail industry.
HS2
The region’s connectivity and economic landscape is being transformed by High Speed 2 (HS2). The country’s new high-speed rail network, and Europe’s largest infrastructure project, will increase capacity and bring people and goods to and from London within 38 minutes.
The West Midlands Combined Authority’s HS2 Growth Strategy contains approximately £1.2 billion of transport connectivity investment to be delivered by 2028, which will improve the wider transport network, expand the economic area and increase productivity.
The partnerships required to work on HS2 are varied and include everything from construction to food catering. It is possible to register interest to work with HS2 as part of the supply chain. You can also contact our sector lead, a local expert who can help with investment in the UK.
Free support services
We bring together a project team from relevant organisations across the region. This team includes property agents, recruitment consultants, public sector departments and universities. It delivers a comprehensive support package to quickly and easily help you establish and scale your business in the UK.
