On the 7th November, prominent business and public-sector leaders will come together in Birmingham for the HS2 Economic Growth Conference supported by HS2 Ltd – the largest business conference of the year focused on driving and unlocking the huge economic growth opportunities which HS2 will bring to the UK.

The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking, will see some of the biggest names in business, politics and local government lead regional hub discussions on the challenges which need tackling and the phenomenal opportunities to create homes, jobs and economic growth through each HS2 hub. The conference, which will also include presentations on the future vision and development opportunities in each region, represents an incredible opportunity for all sectors of the built environment and construction industry to collaborate and communicate to align on the key issues and opportunities for economic development and growth in each region.

During the one-day conference 1,000 delegates will hear from more than 70 speakers and have access to 40 exhibitors, including representation from every station, hub and regional authority.

Mark Thurston, Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd, said: ‘’HS2 is much more than just a railway – it has the power to rebalance our economy and drive social mobility – bringing opportunities closer to people, and leaving a lasting legacy of jobs and skills here in the UK. As an integral part of the Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse agendas, HS2 will help bridge geographic divides and deliver a more balanced economy with benefits felt around the UK.’’

Jamie Kerr, Managing Director of Business Development at LCR, said: ‘’I’m delighted to be speaking at this year’s HS2 Economic Growth Conference, which will bring together many of the key players from the public and private sectors to discuss the essential role our cities and regions have in delivering homes, jobs and economic growth across the country. With an exemplary track record in this arena, having delivered King’s Cross and Stratford, and worked with many of the HS2 places over the last four years; and with a national remit to deliver rail-led regeneration; LCR is very much part of this drive, working in true collaborative spirit with local authorities, LEPs and transport agencies to maximise the development opportunities presented by major infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail. We’re excited to be developing strategic relationships and supporting regeneration in and around station sites to deliver on the Government’s growth and homes agenda.”

Old Oak and Park Royal in zones 2-3 of west London is set to be transformed through the arrival of HS2 and the Elizabeth Line, creating 25,500 new homes, 65,000 new jobs and contributing £7bn a year to the UK economy. Liz Peace CBE, Chairman of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) – set up by the Mayor of London in 2015 to maximise development opportunities – said: ‘’This conference shines an important light on the route-wide impact of the HS2 development, which is going to connect the UK and bring economic benefits to the whole country. Old Oak and Park Royal is an area that is just crying out for regeneration but without HS2 it would have taken an awfully long time. Royal Assent for the HS2 Hybrid Bill has shown everybody that this project is really going to happen and that Old Oak/Park Royal – and all the other areas touched by this project – now have the certainty and momentum they need to get on with the vital task of creating new jobs, commercial space, homes and vibrant, exciting communities.’’

Philip Farrell, acting Managing Director at the Urban Growth Company – set up by Solihull Council to make the most of HS2’s arrival – said:  “This conference will be just a stone’s throw from the HS2 Interchange Station site where we’re laying the foundations to create a whole new urban quarter.  We think there’s no better example of HS2 being a catalyst for the creation of new jobs, homes, commercial space and unrivalled international, national and regional transport connectivity, than here at the UK Central Hub in Solihull.”

Midlands Connect’s Maria Machancoses, said: ”None of us are proposing and building new transport projects just for the sake of transport. The primary reason we improve regional and national infrastructure is to boost our economy. HS2’s announcement and early construction have brought thousands of new jobs to the Midlands. Once the new rapid mass transit services are up and running, the possibilities for economic growth are almost endless. Midlands Connect is developing projects to make sure that everyone across the Midlands can benefit from the prospects HS2 brings. From doubling the number of services and shortening journeys from Hereward and Worcester to meet HS2 at Curzon Street; and connecting Leicester and Leeds with conventional compatible HS2 services; to accelerating the opening of the HS2 East Midlands Hub to 2030, Midlands Connect is leading a number of initiatives which will help the Midlands make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

John Anderson, Financial Strategist at Imperial College London, said: ”The opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge regardless of region or distance is an important factor in supporting the growth of new industries and encouraging innovation. HS2 has created the opportunity to connect people, skills and expertise along the length of the country, unlocking thousands of jobs with the potential to solve the great challenges of our time. We’re particularly excited to see the opportunities than HS2 will bring to west London, and the Old Oak and Park Royal are. The interchange at Old Oak Common, will act as a catalyst to create thousands of new homes and jobs in one of the capital’s most promising neighbourhoods. It will become a key element within the emerging west London innovation district, providing the opportunity to connect a growing and vibrant network of research, technological and creative firms with partners across the country.”

Andrew Pritchard, Director of Policy & Infrastructure at East Midlands Councils, said: ”There is a real sense of momentum around the proposed East Midlands HS2 Hub Station at Toton, and the potential for major HS2 related investment in and around Chesterfield. We’re planning to use HS2 connectivity to boost economic growth across the East Midlands to above the UK average by 2043 – generating 74,000 new jobs and £4bn of GVA. The HS2 Economic Growth Conference is a vital date in the calendar as it will boost investor confidence and help the private and public sectors to align their plans behind our HS2 economic vision, maximising opportunities for growth and regeneration across the East Midlands.”

Keith Griffiths, Managing Director of Built Environment Networking, said: ‘’HS2 is much more about the development of tracks, stations and connectivity. It brings a once in a lifetime opportunity to drive development and regeneration within our cities and wider regions to support the creation of homes and jobs, whilst allowing our cities to compete globally. To deliver the best possible impact on the UK we must tackle key challenges early as an industry, whilst ensuring a culture of collaborative working is embedded into our working to ensure we maximise growth potential, support innovation and deliver a legacy for future generations to enjoy in every region.’’

Keith Mitchell, Chairman of Development & Infrastructure Consultants at Peter Brett Associates – our London Hubs Session Partner, said: ”HS2 has the potential to be a driver of economic and social change. It has been set lofty ambitions to support the enhancement of the UK’s rail services, to support regeneration in some of our major cities, and in doing so, to rebalance the UK economy. Making this happen will need vigorous collaboration between a wide range of organisations in support of a shared vision, with the powers, levers and funding necessary to bring economic and social change. We’re delighted to be sponsoring this conference, finding out what progress is being made, what impact we are aiming to achieve, and what else needs to be done to make the most of this once in a generation opportunity.”

For more information or to book tickets to the event on the 7th November 2018 please visit: www.built-environment-networking.com/HS2EGC18 and for media enquiries please contact Nathan Spencer on nathan.spencer@www.built-environment-networking.com.