The HS2 Growth Taskforce is visiting Birmingham at the start of a series of visits involved with the project.

Part of the group's goal is to share expertise and improve the benefits involved with the high speed rail project.

Lord Deighton, commercial secretary to the treasury and chair of the HS2 Growth Taskforce, said: "With Birmingham firmly at the heart of the new HS2 network it is a great place to start our roadshows and consider the transformational effect HS2 could have on the city and West Midlands."

The Department for Transport also referenced a recent report from Network Rail, stating that over 100 cities and towns on current networks could stand to benefit from faster and more frequent services.  

In addition to transport improvements - such as shortening the time taken to reach London - the government believes additional jobs can be created and local infrastructure along the lines can be improved.