Airport is in the zone (From Western Telegraph)

Airport is in the zone

11:30am Saturday 19th January 2013 in County News

Haverfordwest Airport and several industrial estates will join the major energy facilities around Milford Haven as being designated part of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone.

Business Minister Edwina Hart yesterday (Tuesday) confirmed the boundary of the Zone will take in Blackbridge, Haverfordwest Airport, Honeyborough Industrial Estate, Murco, Pembroke Port, RWE, South Hook, Thornton Industrial Estate, Valero and Waterston and Pembrokeshire Science and Technology Park including Waterloo and London Road.

New and expanding small and medium sized enterprises located on any of these sites will be eligible to apply for funding under the new Enterprise Zone Business Rate Incentive Scheme, a £20million scheme running from 2012/13 to 2015/16 for companies based in Enterprise Zones.

It will operate as a competitive grant scheme within each Zone, with priority for funding given to the strongest applications.

First priority will be given to new start-ups and businesses increasing their workforce.

The Minister said: “This Zone is of strategic importance and has a unique offering, with around 30% of the UK’s energy supplies coming in via Pembrokeshire. The Zones offers the opportunity to build on existing and potential new energy sites and support SMEs with growth potential.”

Nick Bourne, chairman of the Haven Waterway Enterprise, said: “I am delighted that the boundary for the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone has been agreed and includes the immediate Haven area and surrounding areas of Honeyborough, Thornton and Haverfordwest Airport.

“The Business Rate Scheme is excellent news for start-ups and SMEs in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone and the boundary will allow the scheme to operate on a wide basis. This financial lever will be a boost to businesses looking to create jobs and opportunities in the Haven.”

See www.enterprisezones.

wales.gov.uk and www.ardaloeddmenter.cymr u.gov.uk