enterprise zone ideas
for Newport Enterprising
The Business Quarter finds out more about the call for an Enterprize Zone for Newport... N
ewport is nestled between Cardiff and Bristol and often feels a little bit left out of things. The M4 takes traffic past the
historic port to the bigger cities and business often looks down the road rather than realising the potential which lies within Wales’ newest city. So, it was with great disappointment that
the business community learned last year that Newport had missed out when Enterprise Zones were being set up in Wales. Cardiff got one, as dis Ebbw Vale and Bristol
has been named an EZ in a previous round when they were announced in England. Back in November a petition calling for
an EZ in Newport was handed to the Welsh Government. Those involved are still waiting to hear if Newport will be granted one. Newport city councillor David Williams, who is one of those leading the crusade to get EZ status for Newport, said: “The government’s allocation of Enterprise Zones in England instigated a reaction from businesses in Wales to ask whether the Welsh Government would be doing the same. “In Newport’s case in particular, the
announcement of an Enterprise Zone at Bristol Temple Meads and another in Hereford meant that there was quite an encroachment of very close areas to Newport which would have an impact on business investment should choices have to be made between Newport and near by areas that had Enterprise Zone status. “A similar point
was also made in relation to North Wales
particularly around Wrexham and Flint where again Enterprise Zones had been announced around the borders of Manchester, Liverpool and Cheshire which would have an adverse effect particularly if companies were relocating from London and the South East to that part of the country. They would not consider crossing the border into Wales because of the financial benefits to locate in the Enterprise Zones. “It was a surprise when the Minister Mrs
Hart announced five Enterprise Zone areas in Wales based on their opportunities to offer incentives to companies that could fulfil the aims for growth sectors indicated in the economic renewal programme of Welsh Government. “This had even more implications on
Newport as the Business District in Cardiff was identified as an Enterprise Zone together with; Ebbw Vale for the
automotive sector Enterprise Zone.” Cllr Williams
said:
“While on the face of it, this might look like Newport is totally surrounded by EZ sites that could offer financial benefits to any business thinking of starting up, expanding or relocating to South Wales, there is also a unique opportunity for Newport within this to offer something that is very complementary to the Enterprise Zones around it. “Cardiff Business District was allocated for
financial sector purposes. Ebbw Vale for automotive. Both those sectors will be dependent on good infrastructure links as well as electronic and
26 THEbusiness QUARTER
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