enterprise zone
digital / broadband links. There is a missing ‘sector’ EZ in the all Wales picture! “This unique opportunity for Newport
as the “Gateway to South Wales” helps us focus our attention on placing Newport as the digital city offering smart and connected links for Cardiff, the Valleys and the rest of South Wales to the rest of the world. “Newport is a city of progress, the engine-
room of the south-east Wales city-region. “Open and innovative, our vision is one
where smart and connected are not just ways to describe the transformation underway in our city – they are our strategic foundation for long-term prosperity and viable growth. Wales’ future depends on creating inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable environments where every area of life – health and wellbeing, skills and work, and business and innovation – embraces’ the benefits of smart and connected living afforded by digital technology.” Cllr Williams said: “Much work has
already been undertaken between the five local authorities of the greater Gwent area, particularly in relation to broadband connectivity, e-business and the digitised future. “This work being lead by Simon Gibson of
Wesley Clover, whose first project supported by Welsh Government, (the Alacrity Foundation) is to be housed
in Udex House at the Riverfront in Newport City Centre. “The strengthened links with Newport
University focusing around the development of spin out businesses and the potential for incubation space, the growing of digital / design /web page developments/ media businesses will help strengthen the focus of Newport and its future growth sectors. “The primary focus of our digital sector will be within the quarters of our city centre that have already seen investment, and are benefiting from further investment and attention from private sector developers – Scarborough Developments at the Cambrian Centre and Queensberry Developments at Friars’ Walk. “The programme of works which Newport
Unlimited and Newport City Council are putting together at the moment and to be finished in 18 months’ time around the Market Quarter in High Street and the Indoor Market, complete the investment programme forming the foundation for our future growth.” Jason Smith, managing partner of Darwin
Gray, a law firm with a base at Langstone, said: “I would support Newport having an Enterprise Zone in technology. “Newport has some history of technology
businesses and it would be good to build on that historical background. “There are already some good foundations
in place, with the data centre in one of the old LG buildings and the Alacrity programme being developed by Terry Matthews and Simon Gibson. “The council would like Newport to be
a “smart and connected” city and an EZ in technology would help shape that. With a technology EZ in place, Newport could look to do things such as partnering with Tech City in London and develop high speed broadband.” Bob Clark, Managing Director and founder
of Newport-based Clarks UK Ltd, said: “I certainly think the introduction of a Newport Enterprise Zone would offer some much- needed support for the city as evidence has shown that a significant number of jobs are created through the assistance given to local business in any enterprise area. “Our business has fortunately seen strong growth over the last year, but we are still reluctant to increase our workforce and commit to future capital investment given the current market uncertainty. The support and tax relief that an enterprise zone could offer would definitely give us some reassurance about the future and open up the opportunity to create further jobs through investment, which is definitely something Newport needs and I believe would be mirrored by other businesses in the area.”
THEbusiness QUARTER 27
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