The trouble hit Omega Business Park in Warrington could be set to receive a huge boost in its race for survival, by being granted enterprise status.
The 2011 budget announced that coalition government would establish 21 new Enterprise Zones in the country, naming the first 11 areas which will that benefit from the enterprise zones status. A competition for a further 10 enterprise zones was also announced.
The government says enterprise zones are a potent expression of its pro-growth agenda, allowing areas with real potential to create the new businesses and jobs that they need, delivering positive benefits across the wider economic area. Enterprise zone status offers plenty of advantages for commercial property owners and developers in the selected areas. Advantages include simplified and more relaxed planning laws and discounts on business rates.
The Warrington based Omega Business Park, located minutes from the M62 as one of 29 local partnerships shortlisted for the Government’s second wave of zones nationwide, the 10 ‘winners’ will be selected by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.
In the second wave of enterprise zone bids, Preston is the only competing area based in the North West. This is thought to be good news for the Omega Business Park, as it is expected that the North West will be granted at least one enterprise zone, purely in order to maintain some form of regional balance across the scheme.
Government Business Secretary Vince Cable said: ‘This will be a tough competition and only the best will get the go ahead. We’ll be looking for the zones that have genuine potential to create the new business and jobs their area needs so we can make this country the best place in Europe to start and grow a business.’
Warrington North’s Labour MP Helen Jones said: ‘Omega has been delayed by the council and has now been hit by the government’s economic slowdown. Any action we can now get to create jobs is welcome, but we have to ensure that they are long-term, decently-paid jobs.’
