LEP shrugs off enterprise zone loss
DISAPPOINTMENT over plans for an enterprise zone in Scarborough will not harm the work of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, according to its chief operating officer.
The LEP had put forward proposals that would have seen an enterprise zone established on the Scarborough Business Park but it was not included when the Government announced its preferred locations yesterday.
James Farrar, chief operating officer for the LEP, said: “Naturally we are very disappointed that the Yorkshire Coast enterprise zone proposal has been unsuccessful, however, this doesn’t detract from the work the LEP is doing to grow the businesses across the region.
“Coastal regeneration remains a priority for York and North Yorkshire LEP and what is important is that the development of the site and the opportunities presented by the wind farm at Dogger Bank continue to be exploited.
“We continue to work closely with both Scarborough and East Riding to deliver these ambitious plans and to provide practical support to help the small businesses in the area grow.”
The disappointment in North Yorkshire was contrasted with delight on the Humber where the Government approved the country’s biggest enterprise zone covering almost 400 hectares.
Dr Ian Kelly, chief executive of Hull and Humber chamber of commerce, said: “The Humber LEP’s enterprise zone will have a long-lasting impact on our economy. It should move us a step closer to signing up the big players in renewable energy, together with their supply chains.
“There will be a ripple effect for local companies around the Humber. Making the bid was our top priority for the LEP. Its success shows what can be achieved by working together across the Humber.”
Carolyn Burgess, from Hull & East Yorkshire Bondholders said: “The financial incentives provided as part of the enterprise zone package further increases our competitiveness on an international scale to attract renewables manufacturers.
“Hull and East Yorkshire already has a large skills base in advanced engineering, employing more than 12,500 people in industries such as marine engineering and in the offshore environment, in addition to training and expertise at Hull College and the University of Hull.
“We already have the benefit of low operating costs in this region, which are on average 20% lower than elsewhere in the UK, and we are seeing major investment by ABP and Able UK in our ports infrastructure to maintain our position as the busiest ports complex in the UK and the 5th busiest in Europe.
“Add to this the enterprise zone status and our region is an even more attractive proposition to potential investors.”
