An annual survey carried out for the Business Desk Web site has found that businesses in the West Midlands whole-heartedly support plans for the HS2 high-speed rail project, which will link Birmingham and London.

A total of 63.3% said they think that it is ‘essential’ to the future of the region’s economy, compared with just 26% who believe that it will not improve matters.

In addition, the survey found that West Midlands firms are also in favour of the UK remaining part of the European Union. Some 77.42% of those questioned said the UK should stay in the EU, with only 16.13% in favour of withdrawal. Some 6.45% said that they had yet to make up their minds.