Businesses and organisations in Shropshire have backed proposals to improve the rail line between Shrewsbury, Telford, the Black Country and Birmingham, to unlock the county’s economic potential.

A new report from Midlands Connect - Tracks To Transformation: Unlocking Growth On The Shrewsbury To Birmingham Rail Line - outlines how firms in Shropshire feel improved rail connections could positively impact their business operations.

It says there is an overwhelming feeling that investment in the rail line could be transformative for the region, unlocking employment opportunity, supporting sustainability targets, attracting visitors to the area and opening up new markets.

Earlier this summer, the timetable was improved to provide a second hourly West Midlands Railway service running between Birmingham – Black Country – Shrewsbury.

This train provides an additional fast service, but further investment is needed to unlock economic potential across the region.

Proposed improvements including increasing line speed to 90 miles per hour.

This would be achieved by two minor alignments within the railway corridor, as well as improvements around signalling on the line.

Future proposals will include rail electrification and a new hourly train to London from Shrewsbury.

In compiling its report, Midlands Connect spoke to a number of local firms and organisations in Shrewsbury and Telford, some of which employ thousands of local people.

This included representations from Pheonix Group, with offices in both Telford and Birmingham, Cove Group, HM Revenue & Customs, Visit Shropshire and a local business organisation, Country Land and Business Association.

Shaun Davies, the new MP for Telford, has also voiced his support for the plans and has urged the Department for Transport to proceed with funding the improvements.

He said: “Local firms have clearly outlined the importance of these rail improvements to the future growth of their businesses, providing them with better access to markets, talent, and resources in the West Midlands and beyond.

“By investing in the Birmingham to Telford to Shrewsbury rail line, we would lay the groundwork for a more integrated and prosperous regional economy—encouraging tourism, attracting trade, and supporting our businesses to flourish.

“The support for these plans in the local business community is resounding and shows that this funding is not just about improving rail transport; it’s about unlocking economic growth and driving success for our region’s business sector.”

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, added: “The level of support for our proposals in Shropshire’s business community is incredible, with local firms recognising the critical role that rail connectivity plays in supporting their growth.

“We strongly feel these plans for line speed improvements between Birmingham and Shrewsbury would help to restore business confidence in local rail. However, we will continue to champion the need for direct, regular trains to London as well as electrification.

“I believe that this project will help level up the Black Country, support economic development in Shropshire and unlock the fantastic growth of Telford in the years ahead.”

Click here to read the full report.