New research shows more than two-thirds of businesses in Birmingham and Solihull are in favour of the high speed rail link (HS2) between London, Birmingham and the north.

A survey by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce indicates that 72 per cent of Birmingham and Solihull businesses believe that HS2 will open up inward investment, employment and economic prosperity opportunities for the future.

However, as research conducted by the Birmingham Post this month showed, the proposals are more popular in Birmingham and Solihull than elsewhere in the West Midlands.

The research was conducted by Birmingham Chamber, which is a member of the Go-HS2 alliance, which endorses the plans.

Christine Braddock, Birmingham Chamber’s president, said: “Reduced travel times and increased capacity will create new market opportunities, attract inward investment and increase the region’s access to customers.”

Research conducted by the Post in the past month showed two-thirds of respondents opposed the Government’s plan to build a £17 billion high speed railway between London and Birmingham, while more than half did not believe the project would bring any economic benefits to the West Midlands.