Black Country enterprise zone awarded £5m to fund shovel-ready projects

SANDWELL has been chosen as one of 11 enterprise zones to benefit from £150m of extra government investment, it was announced yesterday.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has been awarded £5m to fund shovel-ready projects in the Black Country’s priority sectors which include advanced manufacturing and environmental building technologies, a key focus of the enterprise zone.

Local growth minister Mark Prisk said: “This is more good news for enterprise zones. They are already having a positive impact in the economy, having created 3,000 jobs and attracted £230m in private sector investment since their standing start one year ago. 

“Their significant tax incentives, simplified planning and super-fast broadband are making the country a great place to do business and rebalancing the economy by creating new local jobs and business ventures.

“Today’s extra investment will give our enterprise zones another boost towards delivering strong and lasting growth so we can compete in the global economy.”