Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, told the BBC the train line would help cut overcrowding: "We need a better backbone for our public transport services,"The capacity HS2 is going to deliver is absolutely crucial."Many smaller businesses have also welcomed the plan. Lee Kemp, who runs Vermillion Films in Birmingham, which makes corporate training films, said HS2 is "really good news for us as a city and as a region".
An announcement on the route linking London to Birmingham, and then on to Manchester and Leeds, is expected by the prime minister on Tuesday. Supporters of the plan say it will improve transport times, create jobs and rebalance the UK's economy.