Business Groups Sign Letter Supporting Government Commitment to NPR

15th January 2026

Seven of the UK’s major business groups have written an open letter to the government to support its commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

The British Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, Enterprise Nation, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, Make UK and Small Business Britain have all signed the letter. 

The letter states that NPR is not just a transport project but a much-needed growth project to connect people, communities and businesses. 

While it supports a phased approach to the project it also warns that this approach must not allow delays, doubts or funding gaps to appear. 

And it calls on the government to move forward at pace to deliver this crucial rail project. 

The full letter can be found here.