Transport & Economic Growth

Vibrant Cities - Private Sector View

Nick GreenSquire Sanders Hammonds

INTRODUCTION – Nick Green

Squire Sanders Hammonds – Global law firm

36 Offices in 17 Countries

1500 Lawyers

UK offices in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester

Location, Location, Location

Global but local Geographic spread but need for proximity Flexible working Relevance of road, rail and air transport links

Global conference Staff access Client movements

Birmingham’s labour market is closely linked to its surrounding areas. A total of 160,000 (1 in 7) commute into the city for work, while 79,000 leave the city for work

British Chambers of Commerce Transport Survey

10 per cent of businesses were convinced that the UK’s transport infrastructure met their needs

£27,000 – the average cost to business as a result of poor transport infrastructure (£15 billion annually)

Over 50 per cent of businesses reported that an inadequate transport system is a deciding factor on where they choose to locate their business

40 per cent cited inadequate transport limits their ability to expand

The Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership

Stourbridge – Walsall – Lichfield Line Reinstatement

Camp Hill and Tamworth Line Upgrade

Walsall – Rugeley Route Upgrade

Birmingham City Centre Stations Access Improvements

Birmingham Interchange Station Access Improvements

Coventry – Leamington Route Upgrade

Effective Connections to the Motorway Network

Economic impact of Transport

Sir Rod Eddington – Benefits of Transport (2006)

mobility of people and goods enhanced clusters of economic growth labour markets & migration boosting trade and competition – intra/inter regional & international enhanced attractiveness for foreign investment

What does business need to see from Transport Infrastructure?

Increased Capacity – If our economy is to continue to expand we need to plan for the future. A make do and mend approach will not deliver the growth we need.

Decreased journey times - Goods and people held up in congestion cost business money and reduce our competitiveness as a country.

Recognition of the importance of freight – Freight is hugely valuable to the UK economy. Currently freight moved by rail is moved at times that suit the passenger rail network not business.

A strategic national and regional plan – Transport is not, by its nature, a completely local issue. Regional and National priorities must be considered.

Future Issues

Transport infrastructure should be aimed at delivering growth by removing existing barriers and creating new opportunities.

Need for long-term planning. Transport, alike health, education and defence, requires long-term planning. 20 – 30 year plans.

Need for innovative funding proposals. Apolitical funding including PFI/PPP and Tax Incremental Financing.

Need for strategic and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

Nick GreenSquire Sanders HammondsRutland House, 148 Edmund Street, Birmingham B3 2JR