Fylde is currently home to two Enterprise Zones. The Lancashire Enterprise Zone has two sites, one of which is Warton in Fylde. The Blackpool Enterprise Zone straddles the border between Blackpool and Fylde and covers the majority of Blackpool Airport. The neighbouring authority of Wyre is also home to an Enterprise Zone at a site known as Hillhouse.
The Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone provides an exciting opportunity for new, expanding and relocating companies on the Fylde Coast. Just a five minute drive from the end of the M55 motorway, and a stone’s through from Blackpool’s famous sea front, the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone offers the benefits of fantastic connectivity combined with an exceptional environment in which to work, live and play.
The Enterprise Zone includes areas for both Business Rates Relief and Enhanced Capital Allowances. Companies locating in the Business Rates Relief area, active from April 1st 2016, will be able to benefit from 100% business rates relief up to a total value of £275,000 over a five year period. Those locating in the Enhanced Capital Allowances area, active from April 1st 2017, may be able to reclaim the cost of fixed plant and machinery up to the value of £125million against tax over one year, subject to individual business assessment.
Target sectors for the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone include energy, food and drink manufacture, digital and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation. The principal driver behind the Enterprise Zone, however, is job creation and industry diversification, so companies looking to operate outside those target sectors will be welcomed to discuss options
BAE Systems site at Warton is the home of one part of Lancashire’s Enterprise Zone. The aim of the Enterprise Zone is to attract a range of advanced engineering and manufacturing businesses and to create thousands of new jobs over the coming years. Businesses will get incentives to set up or expand on the zone. For at least 25 years, all business rates growth within the zone will be retained and reinvested in support of priorities identified by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. There is also the option to grant business rate relief up to a certain limit over a five year period.
The zone at Warton is also covered by a Local Development Order (LDO) which makes the location more attractive to investors by reducing the complexity and timescales usually associated with the planning process. The Council has already authorised development within clearly defined limits, which enables businesses to quickly secure approval for their specific development plans.
In addition a further competitive edge offered by this site is that it is a priority location for superfast broadband connectivity as part of the Superfast Lancashire Programme.
The Hillhouse International Enterprise Zone provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses to locate on an existing, internationally-recognised business park, alongside world-leading chemical and polymer production companies, whilst also benefitting from the advantages brought about by Enterprise Zone status.
Situated just 15 minutes’ drive time from Junction 3 of the M55 motorway, Hillhouse International offers a secure site with good access to the rest of the North West and beyond. Located alongside the River Wyre and just a stone’s throw from the Irish Sea, the site also offers a fantastic working environment and a great base for workforces.
