Foreword
Birmingham. The city of 1000 trades and the engine room of the industrial revolution. Since the 1700s the city has played an important role in industry and innovation across many sectors, including rail.
Fast forward to the 21st century, Birmingham is a city of youth, diversity and a skilled talent pool. It is the city of choice for public and private sector relocations and due to its central location, is undoubtedly the best-connected city outside of London.
Global companies have invested in Birmingham to house their HQ operations. Recent high-profile expansions or HQ relocations include Goldman Sachs, Colas, HSBC and the BBC.
We believe Birmingham is the logical home for Great British Railways’ (GBR) HQ. The strategic fit is clear - GBR will sit alongside a number of rail operators, key suppliers and advisors to the sector, alongside innovation and research expertise. GBR HQ will cement Birmingham as the UK’s rail hub, creating a truly collaborative industry with an unrivalled skill base, and a centre of excellence for rail.
Birmingham is undoubtedly the best location for GBR HQ, supporting true Levelling Up, with access to a talent pool with sector experience, connectivity to every major UK city and the opportunity to provide a value for money solution for Government. The city is the clear winner, and the logical location for GBR’s HQ. Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority region.