Blackpool’s Enterprise Zone goes live

Blackpool and Fylde will celebrate a new era for local business when the town’s very first Enterprise Zone at Blackpool Airport goes live today (April 1).

The new Government-backed initiative is providing Enterprise Zone status to the Blackpool Airport site which will help transform the area into a key employment site with the potential to support up to nearly 140 new businesses and up to 3,000 new jobs, over the next 25 years.

Force Technology specialises in the development and innovation of high precision spring applications for the automotive, transport and shipping industry.

Coun Mark Smith said: “The opening of the Enterprise Zone is fantastic news and is a key part of Blackpool Council’s vision for jobs and growth in Squires Gate.

“The launch of the Enterprise Zone is also an important step forward in securing the future of Blackpool Airport’s operations. By protecting key infrastructure such as the main runway, we’ve also secured the potential for expansion and the return of more commercial flights should it become viable in the future.”

The new Enterprise Zone, along with a sister Enterprise Zone at Hillhouse International Business Park near Thornton, will be overseen by the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Economic Development Company on behalf of the local authorities and Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. Both sites will now provide further opportunities for local businesses to develop.

Businesses can also benefit from Enhanced Capital Allowances for investment in fixed plant and machinery for businesses who take occupation by March 2023.

"To help fulfil this vision, the LEP has worked hard with local partners and Government to secure EZ status for Blackpool Airport and Hillhouse and we now have four strong EZ sites, including Samlesbury and Warton, which combined form a significant investor offer to new occupiers within the context of the Northern Powerhouse.

Blackpool Fylde & Wyre EDC will oversee the development of the new Enterprise Zones. They can be contacted on 01253 478729 or info&bfwedc.co.uk Two new web sites are also to be launched to help promote the new Enterprise Zones. They are www.blackpoolez.com and www.hillhouseez.com .