15,500-plus UK jobs created by enterprise zones

New figures released show that the government’s 24 enterprise zones have created more than 15,500 jobs across the UK since opening for business.

Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles announced that British enterprise zones have attracted over 480 businesses and more than £2.1bn in private investment across a host of influential industries such as aerospace, pharmaceutical, automotive and renewable energy sectors.

The Government opened the UK’s enterprise zones in April 2012 as part of a 25-year project to rebalance the national economy; providing tax incentives, simplified planning and super-fast broadband to firms, encouraging growth.

All enterprise zones are currently active; whether it’s continued growth on established sites or bringing derelict areas back to life.

Not only has the growth provided a significant shot in the arm for the UK’s construction industry and wider supply chain, it’s breathed new life into local communities with improved amenities and exciting business opportunities.

Mr Pickles discussed the exciting progress made at Northampton’s enterprise zone where Cosworth’s brand new state-of-the-art £22m advanced manufacturing centre is creating highly skilled jobs for the region.

The facility will enable the firm to tackle £75m of new contracts to manufacture high-end machine components for high-performance cars, creating more than 70 new jobs and apprenticeships.

“Enterprise zones are now picking up the pace and really starting to deliver for the economy,” said Pickles.

“We’re seeing activity across the country from established sites attracting some of the biggest names in business to derelict sites being brought back to life.

“That’s because our long-term economic plan is giving businesses the confidence to invest.

“They know that enterprise zones work and are making the most of the top-class incentives and world-class infrastructure on offer.

“And that’s great news for local economies and communities because it’s these kinds of businesses that have the vision to grow, creating thousands more jobs for hard-working people.”



Image: Department for Communities and Local Government

Date published 3 Mar 2015 | Last updated 3 Mar 2015