Enterprise Zones have attracted nearly 24,000 jobs, figures show

Enterprise Zones have attracted nearly 24,000 jobs in the four years since they were introduced, according to the latest figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Enterprise Zones were launched in April 2012 and offer tax incentives and business rate discounts for companies who locate on them.

In the three months leading up to September 2015, England’s 24 Enterprise Zones saw jobs grow by 9 per cent, accounting for nearly 2,000 extra jobs and helping to push employment to record levels.

The average growth was higher for Enterprise Zones located within the Northern Powerhouse, with the number of new jobs increasing by 11 per cent.

Chancellor George Osborne confirmed in the 2016 Budget that the government would push forward with its plans to further expand the programme, announcing three new Zones in Cornwall, the Black Country and Leicestershire, as well as an extension to the existing Enterprise Zone in Sheffield.

James Wharton, Northern Powerhouse Minister, said: “Once again, we are seeing proof that Enterprise Zones are delivering real, tangible benefits, with jobs and companies showing significant growth.

“In just four years, nearly 24,000 new jobs have been attracted to Enterprise Zones across the country – with jobs growth in the Northern Powerhouse even higher than the national average.

“But we want to go even further, and the announcement of three new Enterprise Zones and a Zone extension in the recent Budget means this programme will go from strength to strength.”