We employ a range of engaging tactics to spark media and political interest:

We execute a comprehensive programme of proactive media engagement, rebutting negative stories and uniting the industry to speak with one voice to amplify support for what will be a transformative nationwide scheme.

We have secured high profile coverage in titles including The Times, The Guardian, The Scotsman and The Yorkshire Post as well as trade titles New Civil Engineer and Rail Professional.

We have positioned HSRG as thought leaders by curating a range of thought pieces and reports on topics including the economic benefits of HS2, jobs and skills, net zero and health and well-being.

In 2021, we coordinated an event in Edinburgh for Members of the Scottish Parliament focused on Anglo-Scottish modal shift and its sustainability benefits ahead of COP26. We pulled together an expert panel made up of HSRG Board Member, Jim Steer; Chief Executive of the SCDI, Sara Thiam; Convenor of Transform Scotland’s Policy Forum, Paul Tetlaw; George Lowder MBE, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh; and Alastair Dalton, Transport Correspondent at The Scotsman.

In 2022, we oversaw the publication of brand new polling data from across the Yorkshire region to understand public sentiment following the decision made by Government to curtail a section of the Eastern Leg of HS2.

We manage and coordinate political engagement across a targeted range of politicians and influencers and run a successful and engaging events programme which brings together key stakeholders. This includes Parliamentary receptions; roundtable dinners; a focused Party Conference programme including fringe events with both the Transport Secretary and Shadow Transport Secretary and regional focus group sessions which explores the role SMEs can play in the delivery of high speed rail.

We manage the HSRG annual conference, hosted in key cities along the line of route, which attract over 200 delegates including politicians, senior industry figures and local authority figures from across the UK who come together to champion the benefits of HS2.