From Road to Rail: Optimising Goods Transport in UK Manufacturing
21.07.2025
Britain’s manufacturers are urging the Government to resurrect the original HS2 plan to Leeds and Manchester, as part of a wider strategy to increase national rail capacity and unlock long-term economic and environmental benefits.
According to a new report by Make UK and Barclays Corporate Banking - From Road to Rail: Optimising Goods Transport in UK Manufacturing - the manufacturing sector strongly backs high-speed rail investment and the creation of logistics hubs along England’s industrial spine.
Key Findings
- 85% of manufacturers support resurrecting the original HS2 line to Leeds and Manchester.
- 89% back high-speed rail links between major Northern cities.
- 62% say increased rail investment would improve access to labour.
- 38% cite poor access to local terminals as a barrier to rail freight use.
- 62% want the Government to prioritise multimodal systems to boost rail transport.
A Future-Fit Freight Network
The report calls for targeted investment in freight corridors and logistics hubs along the spine of England - linking Felixstowe, the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool via HS2. Inspired by European models, this would expand capacity, cut lorry journeys, and connect ports, cities, and innovation hubs, helping recoup HS2’s value while boosting the national economy.
With the UK aiming to boost rail freight by 75% by 2050, infrastructure upgrades are key to lowering reliance on roads, cutting emissions, reducing lorry traffic, and improving regional and national connectivity.
It’s clear that the current levels of rail capacity aren’t suitable for the levels of freight traffic the Government is predicting in the future. As a result, if industry is to make greater use of rail then we need the extra capacity which a high speed link for passenger traffic would free up.
“This would provide a valuable opportunity to invest in multi mode hubs which would improve connectivity between our major ports and better integrate road and rail routes up the spine of the country.
It's important that UK transport infrastructure is at the forefront of discussions among policymakers. Upgrading and integrating our road, rail, and port systems is crucial for boosting productivity, decarbonising transport, and supporting long-term competitiveness.
"By addressing key barriers and enhancing rail freight, we can achieve significant environmental benefits, reduce lorry journeys, and improve road safety.
"We’re excited to work with industry bodies like Make UK as we deliver for the sector, going beyond numbers and supporting its plans for growth.
