In Lancashire there was widespread belief that the new line would have a positive impact on its economic prospects, with reports productivity gains from the impact of HS2 services to the area could help provide an extra £600m for the county.


However, a private sector consortium has now backed new plans for a new rail link to be built between Birmingham and the North West to replace that cancelled HS2 leg.


Unveiled by the metro mayors of Greater Manchester and West Midlands, they say the 80km route proposed would deliver 85 per cent of the benefits of delivering HS2 in full, but reduce costs by 25-40 per cent through construction of a lower-speed route.


The link would also save in costs from the HS2 cancellation by reusing some of the design work, as well as land already purchased for the scrapped high-speed line.


Financing for the scheme would be delivered using similar private sector-led models that have delivered expansions to high-speed rail infrastructure in France and Japan.


Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the aim is to put an end to “treating people in


link between Colne in Lancashire and Skipton in Yorkshire, if we are to see small towns in the north of England thrive and prosper.”


While that campaign goes on, there is concern that a long-hoped for re-opening of the Poulton-to-Fleetwood railway line will not happen, following the government’s axing of the Restoring Your Railway Fund (RYRF).


There have been other recent transport blows for the county. Plans to extend the Merseyrail network to Skelmersdale were rejected by the Department of Transport back in 2022.


And on the road network, the prospect of a M65 extension, opening up east Lancashire to the major Yorkshire conurbations, with all its economic benefits, looks a distant hope.


Katie Day says: “Our strategic plan sets out how transport can enable economic growth and open up opportunities to reduce inequality and get us on the net zero journey. That also means not seeing transport in isolation.”


She points to the impact that devolution can have on creating that efficient and integrated local system, with Greater Manchester’s control over its public transport and investment


To realise the untapped economic potential of our region, we need to better connect our towns


cities, rural and coastal locations – and that means investment in infrastructure


the North like second class citizens” when it comes to transport.


Meanwhile, work is also underway to prevent a transformational Lancashire rail project being shunted into the sidings.


The new Pendle and Clitheroe MP Jonathan Hinder used his maiden speech in Parliament to renew the call for the restoration of the Colne to Skipton rail link.


The 12-mile route, connecting Lancashire with North Yorkshire, last ran in 1970. If reopened, it could lead to fast train services between east Lancashire, Bradford and Leeds, opening up a host of economic benefits.


In a damning speech, Mr Hinder told MPs the Clitheroe to Manchester train takes an hour and 20 minutes to travel 30 miles, with the Colne to Preston service taking an hour and 15 minutes to complete its 25-mile journey.


The MP said: “Both offer one diesel train per hour, and they are totally unreliable,” and he added: “Regional inequality in our country is stark, and we need serious investment in infrastructure, such as reinstating the short rail


decisions widely heralded as a way forward.


Katie says: “In Greater Manchester they are working to create an integrated transport system. Devolution is an opportunity. It can bring investment and local decision making together, which can make a difference to communities.”


There have been recent Lancashire success stories when it comes to improving infrastructure. The role the new £27m M55 to Heyhouses Link Road will play in growing the Fylde coast’s economy was underlined at a civic event marking its opening this summer.


And the improved link to the coast will also deliver “a welcome boost” to the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and the Fylde coast’s leisure and tourism industry.


Katie says: “This project has shown the power of collaboration. By working together, we can deliver better connectivity for citizens and businesses to support sustainable and inclusive growth for people and places across the North.”


Built Environment Conference Page 34 Ribble Valley Hotspot Page 29


Natalie Hughes Director and insolvency practitioner /SimplyCorp /SimplyCorp


SEASONAL TRADING BRINGS CHALLENGE


AND OPPORTUNITY November and December are challenging times for small businesses, with unique pressures depending on the industry.


The upcoming shopping season, marked by Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, puts pressure on retailers to maximise sales, often representing a significant share of annual revenue. Heightened competition from larger companies’ promotions makes standing out difficult.


Here are just a few of the challenges that business may be faced with:


Cash flow strains Businesses need to stock up on inventory, tying up cash. Hiring seasonal staff to handle increased demand also raises labour costs, with higher wages often needed.


Logistics and supply chain challenges Peak shipping season can cause inventory delays and fulfilment issues, especially for e-commerce, while increased demand drives up shipping costs.


Marketing and promotional costs Competing for holiday shoppers often requires increased advertising. Offering discounts to attract customers can further reduce margins.


Managing customer expectations The post-holiday period may see a surge in returns or exchanges, creating logistical burdens. Higher sales also demand more customer service support costs.


Burnout and work-life balance Extended holiday hours can result in burnout, and owners may feel pressured to generate enough revenue to cover slower months.


Despite the challenges, November and December offer significant growth opportunities, with planning needed to navigate cash flow, competition, logistics, and customer demands effectively.


As insolvency practitioners we’re licensed to provide you with the right advice and expert guidance you need during these times, call Simply Corporate today for immediate help and advice.


For further help and advice call


Natalie Hughes on 01282 222420 simplycorporate.co.uk


HS2 LANCASHIREBUSINES SV IEW.CO.UK


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