A NEW scheme to attract businesses to Cheshire launched at Birchwood Science Park on May 24 and could bring £100 million worth of investment to the area.
The government awarded Enterprise Status to the zone, which stretches from Capenhurst to Hurdsfield and Birchwood, meaning that there are a range of incentives to attract businesses.
The Enterprise Zone is expected to bring 20,000 jobs and 500 businesses to Cheshire as new companies will be offered help with business rates.
Robert Mee, Chair of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone, said: "We identified a number of sites with high growth potential and a skilled workforce and it is these sites that make up the Enterprise Zone and will offer significant incentives to attract more science based businesses to help grow these key sectors.”
Medical diagnostics company, Werfen, has been based in Birchwood for 35 years and is the first business to move into the new science park.
Xavier Soler, Werfen’s Financial Controller, said: "Werfen wanted to locate to a place where we can retain and recruit the best staff, and one that is well connected for our sales team, and Birchwood Park within the new Enterprise Zone was ideal for its range of tenants, facilities and buildings we could convert, as well as the added incentives offered through the zone.”
Recent road improvements as part of the Birchwood Pinch Point project have also helped to attract businesses to the area.
Martin O’Rourke, commercial director at Birchwood Park, commented: "Warrington and Birchwood’s businesses and local authorities have helped attract global companies such as National Nuclear Laboratories and AMEC Foster Wheeler, growing respected nuclear clusters as a result.
"The formation of the new Enterprise Zone can be expected to build the area’s international profile in much the same way, further bringing opportunities to benefit local development and the wider community."
Read more at warringtonguardian.co.uk