17/08/2011
Humber Enterprise Zone bid sucessful
The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership has welcomed today’s announcement by the Government that its bid for an Enterprise Zone has been successful.
The Humber LEP’s bid aims to attract large top tier manufacturing companies in the renewable energy sector. By bringing in these Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the LEP hopes their supply chains will follow and occupy further sites around the Humber, leading to the development of a renewable energy super cluster unique in the UK and with international scale.
The bid builds on the Humber’s existing advantages for companies in the renewable energy sector, including port and transport infrastructure, skills and experience in related sectors including maritime and engineering, and availability of suitable sites big enough for the assembly of large structures. Another key selling point for offshore wind companies is that the Humber has the shortest sailing times of any location to the huge Round 3 sites off the east coast.
By adding in the Enterprise Zone package, which includes tax breaks and a simplified planning process, the LEP believes it can tip the balance towards the UK and away from competing sites on continental Europe. Capital allowances would be particularly attractive to large manufacturers which would be spending significant amounts of money on high-tech machinery.
The Humber LEP’s bid covers 375 hectares on three sites, which between them can accommodate four OEMs:
Green Port Hull (Alexandra Dock) – 1 OEM
Queen Elizabeth Dock, Hull – 1 OEM
Able Marine Energy Park (southern part), North Lincolnshire – 2 OEMs
The Humber’s Enterprise Zone is the largest to be announced by the Government to date, and more than double the size of the next biggest.
Dr Ian Kelly, Chief Executive of Hull & 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.”
For more information please visit: http://humberlep.org/2011/08/17/humber-enterprise-zone-bid-successful/ or http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_96_11.htm.
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