It is one of the major reasons Wirral Council was able to deal with the UK's largest planning applicaion at Wirral Waters and Council officers have led the development of the Merseyside Urban Development Fund which is designed to create a more sustainable development fund for capital regeneration schemes. JESSICA is a private sector led initiative that provides development finance to viable development schemes that are unable to borrow from frontline banks or financial institutions. Its aim is to stimulate investment by filling a gap in the market place but its repayable nature, as opposed to grant, will allow European funds to be re-invested over the medium term.

In addition, funding support has been provided through Wirral Council's own business investment grants - the Think Big and the Big Business investment grants. Almost 200 investment projects have been supported in 2010/2011 including supporting Wirral companies in their bid to access regional and national funds.

Wirral Council has a track record of committing significant resources to support investment growth and will continue to support business with further investment promised through its Investment Support Services Framework.

To find out more information about the support available in Wirral contact Invest Wirral on 0151 650 6915 or email invest@wirral.gov.uk