Regional Enterprise Zone bids submitted

THE DEPARTMENT for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) yesterday confirmed that Cheshire, Cumbria and Lancashire’s Local Enterprise Partnerships were among the 29 organisations which have submitted bids to host one of the ten remaining Enterprise Zones

Cheshire and Warrington LEP submitted a bid to host a Local Enterprise Partnership at the longstanding Omega Business Park in Warrington, while Cumbria has submitted a bid for a “low carbon” energy enterprise zone split over two sites at Barrow Waterfront and at Lilyhall in West Cumbria. Lancashire Enterprise Zone has submitted its bid for an advanced manufacturing zone based around two BAE Systems sites at Samlesbury and Warton.

The zones will now be assessed against three criteria: ability to deliver growth and jobs, value for money and implementation. Areas which are awarded Enterprise Zone status will be able to offer lower business rates, easier planning rules and superfast broadband connections.

DCLG’s Secretary of State Eric Pickles MP said yesterday: “The huge interest in and enthusiasm for second wave enterprise zones across the country is proof that local enterprise partnerships have the ideas and enthusiasm to drive forward their local economies.

“I’m impressed by the number of partnerships that have put forward innovative and ambitious plans for an Enterprise Zone in their area.

“This will be a tough competition and only the best will get the go ahead. We’ll be looking for the zones that have genuine potential to create the new business and jobs their area needs so we can make this country the best place in Europe to start and grow a business.”

Manchester Airport City and Liverpool Waters were both named as Enterprise Zones during the first round of Enterprise Zone bids.

Ministers also announced a positive response to the second round of Regional Growth Fund bids, which also closed on Friday.