Yorkshire businesses call on government to back Blunkett rail review

Yorkshire businesses have written an open letter to the Chancellor calling on them to back the recently published Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail, led by Lord David Blunkett. They want to see major new investment in rail to improve connectivity within Yorkshire and to other parts of the North and South to help businesses grow and offer more opportunities for jobs and training.

Business leaders including CEOs and Directors at Magtec, Westfield Health, University of Bradford, Yorkshire Building Society, Virgin Media O2, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Community First Yorkshire, Business Advisory Board Chairs and Chambers of Commerce have united to show their support for improving transport connectivity in a region that has been under invested in for decades.

The Blunkett review was commissioned by Yorkshire Mayors Tracy Brabin, Oliver Coppard and David Skaith as part of the White Rose Agreement. The White Rose region of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire represents a population of 4.6 million and 190,000 businesses.

Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail found that targeted rail investment including new stations, more capacity and electrification, has the potential to add £20 billion to the region’s economy, could help generate an extra 83,000 jobs, and contribute to the building of 210,000 new homes over ten years. This would be a big win for Yorkshire and businesses.

The letter states:

“We know improving rail infrastructure requires significant funding, but we strongly believe that by prioritising investment in Yorkshire rail infrastructure in the Spending Review will be a down payment on improving economic growth and helping businesses and people to thrive.”

South Yorkshire Business Advisory Board Co-Chairs, Tariq Shah OBE and Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE said they also fully supported Lord Blunkett’s review and the benefits that it would bring to South Yorkshire businesses and their current and future workforce.

Tariq Shah, also CEO of Vigo Group, added:

“Rail connectivity isn’t just about transport, it’s about opportunity. Getting South Yorkshire back on track with investment in our rail infrastructure is a vital step in driving long-term economic growth and improving access to jobs, education and innovation in our region. This is a region with huge potential. The investment is significant, but the positive impact of this investment will be far greater. This is not just a transport investment, it’s a statement of ambition for our place.”

Louisa Harrison-Walker, who is also CEO of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, added:

“This review provides the practical improvements which would make a real difference to our communities.

“Getting Sheffield Station ready for the future, line electrification and bringing Rotherham back to the mainline are all programmes to support businesses and people to thrive and help ensure our region can play a major role in the country’s economic growth.”

Jennifer Wood, Chair of York and North Yorkshire Business Board said:

“I welcome this review led by Lord Blunkett, David and the other mayors and hope this collaborative approach delivers enormous success.

“Connecting our communities via better rail connectivity is vital for growth in York and North Yorkshire.

“We have some incredibly talented businesses and people within our region, and they shouldn’t be stopped in their tracks due to the current poor rail systems, which makes it difficult to travel in and out of the region for jobs, education and opportunity.

“I look forward to seeing the government prioritise this important issue, supporting Yorkshire, the North and the country to thrive.”

Caroline Routh, Executive Director at Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, said:

“The fact that we have only one train an hour between York and Scarborough is very limiting; we have audience members leaving before the end of a show so they don’t miss their train and then have to wait an hour for the next one.

“That potential hour wait is not going to encourage anyone to visit, or to come back.

“Around 80 per cent of our audiences travel by car because there’s not a viable alternative, making this the biggest contributor to our carbon footprint. More frequent rail services would really help to reduce this.”

Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“For our region’s ambitious growth plans to succeed, we need a transport system that gets people to where they need to be.

“Greater connectivity is the key to unlocking opportunities for people and businesses, and investment into vital new infrastructure will be transformative.

“This is a superb example of our business community’s commitment to collaboration and championing a region that works for all.”

Patricia Cobian, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Financial Officer, said:

“Virgin Media O2 support Lord Blunkett’s Rail Review and back the Yorkshire Mayors call on the government for investment in Yorkshire’s rail network.

“As a significant investor in the region’s telecommunications infrastructure, we know all too well the importance of connectivity in driving economic growth.

“We have large regional offices in both Leeds and Sheffield employing a considerable amount of people across the region.

“A reliable rail network is crucial for our people to commute to work and to connect with colleagues and customers across the country.”

Notes to editors

Spokespeople are available for interview. Please contact:

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority – press.enquiries@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk

West Yorkshire Combined Authority – communications@westyorks-ca.gov.uk York & North Yorkshire – news@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk