In March 2011 the Government announced that the whole of the Wirral Waters site, together with the Liverpool Waters area would form a new Enterprise Zone.
Through the designation of Enterprise Zone (EZ) status, the Government will offer areas with real and sustainable growth potential a range of incentives that will enable them to attract investment and create new businesses and jobs. The Wirral Waters EZ will be a catalyst for accelerated growth as the benefits that EZ status bring make the site a preferred location for inward investment.
The EZ status brings a range of benefits that could benefit your business. These include:
- 100% business rates discount worth up to £275,000 per business over a five year period;
- The potential for enhanced capital allowances to be awarded for plant and machinery;
- A simplified planning process including, where appropriate, the use of Local Development Orders;
- UKTI support for inward investment and trade opportunities;
- Access to Superfast broadband - installed and paid for by the Government. This is in addition to the £13 million investment by Wirral Council to improve the Borough's existing Broadband infrastructure.
Wirral Council is working closely with Peel Holdings and the city region's Local Enterprise Partnership to ensure that the range of benefits available through the EZ are maximised and promoted in order to attract and secure increased inward investment and local business growth. This will include alignment of Wirral's investment and business support services with the EZ opportunities to ensure that businesses are encouraged to develop and invest in growth related projects and to maximise sustainability.