MIPIM 2012: Birmingham targets digital media growth through enterprise zone

BIRMINGHAM’S enterprise zone (EZ) will transform the city’s digital media sector by introducing measures that will help it grow, create new jobs and attract vital talent, according to speakers at an event taking place on the Birmingham stand at real estate show MIPIM.

Specifically designed to promote growth in the creative industries, ICT and digital media sectors, the EZ will boost existing clusters of digital talent in the city and, by focusing on some of the city’s largest regeneration projects in the areas they are based in, attract and retain crucial new talent.

Birmingham city centre’s EZ is operated by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP). It will introduce benefits such as business rates relief of up to £275,000 over five years for businesses locating there, and the delivery of superfast broadband to areas known to host clusters of digital media companies – specifically Digbeth and Eastside.

In addition, Local Development Orders will relax planning permission for Digbeth and Birmingham Science Park Aston, another digital hub – making it easier for smaller companies and start-ups to benefit from more flexible working space.

Speaking ahead of the event, leader of Birmingham City Council Mike Whitby said: “Birmingham is already home to a diverse range of digital companies, from cutting-edge start-ups to global names including Codemasters and Microsoft. The city also produces some of the best young talent in the UK through specialist training at Birmingham Ormiston Academy and Gamer Camp at Birmingham City University.

“It is imperative for Birmingham to continue to support this thriving industry; the wider region already represents 21 per cent of the UK games workforce and we have the support networks, financial incentives and highly-skilled workforce to continue to nurture this.”

As two of seven clusters in the city that the EZ will be focusing on, Eastside and Digbeth are already home to creative hubs Fazeley Studios and the 15-acre Custard Factory Quarter, which is occupied by some 500 companies and has the potential to develop a further 1m sq ft of mixed-use space.

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