Birmingham and Black Country enterprise zones have created more than 3,000 jobs – report
A REPORT out today reveals that Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone has helped to create more than 1,200 jobs while the Black Country’s zone is responsible for more than 2,000 new positions.
Government figures show the 24 enterprise zones have created 12,530 jobs, attracted 434 new businesses and generated more than £2bn worth of private investment since opening for business.
Birmingham’s enterprise zone is charged with creating 40,000 jobs over the next 25 years, providing a £2.8bn annual boost to the local economy.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone is really starting to pick up steam, transforming the city centre and creating more than 1,200 jobs.
“This is just the start and I know the ambition and vision is there to firmly put Birmingham on the map as the country’s next financial centre. It’s further proof that our enterprise zone programme is on track, creating thousands of jobs, attracting billions in investment and driving forward local economies.”
Chris Webster, board director for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This announcement is great news in that it clearly demonstrates that the enterprise zone is gaining momentum and delivering on our plans and all the investment designed to generate jobs and growth.
“In July this year we announced an extension to the EZ investment plan from the original figure of £128m to £275m, with the long-term goal of creating 40,000 new jobs.
“In addition, the plans have been designed to generate a further £2bn for the local economy and create 1.4 sq m of floor space and 26 city centre sites.”
Commenting on the news that the Black Country Enterprise Zone had created 2,000 jobs, Stewart Towe, chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise partnership, said: “The recent opening by the Queen of the JLR Engine Manufacturing Centre and International Security Printers’ new building is a ringing endorsement of the i54 part of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership’s enterprise zone.
“The enterprise zone has been very successful in attracting advanced manufacturing companies which have created 2,000 skilled jobs.”
The Government opened the 24 enterprise zones in April 2012 as part of a 25-year project to rebalance the economy, offering tax incentives, simplified planning and superfast broadband.
