Launch of business support package to create Enterprise Town
The Enterprise Telford pledge will provide a unique borough wide offer that will match the aspirations of investors and ensure Telford competes on an equal footing with the national network of Enterprise Zones that have been announced by Central Government.
Launched by Invest In Telford, the Enterprise Telford Pledge To Business is more than a standard Enterprise Zone offer. The council aims to match the commitment of investors with a fast, responsive, deal focused approach.
This includes a “Hello Telford” landing offer and options around finance, land, design and build, property, recruitment and skills.
Enterprise Telford is supported by the Telford Business Board whose business sector champions play a key role in the promotion of Telford to potential investors and in supporting new investors.
Invest In Telford already has an impressive track record of engagement with more than 3,000 businesses and over 130 inward investment enquiries since it first launched in 2013.
Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Business, said: “Over the last two years, the economic picture in Telford and Wrekin has changed with new and exciting opportunities for growth.
“The Enterprise Telford pledge extends our offer to businesses through a bespoke package of support aimed at creating a more competitive investment environment than can be found in other regional and national destinations.
“However, we are not complacent and we know there are still challenges including skills shortages in certain key sectors and problems in accessing funding to support business expansion and diversification.”
Paul Hinkins, chairman of the Telford Business Board, said: “The Telford Business Board is committed to supporting economic growth and is delighted to support the Enterprise Telford pledge.
“Our Sector Champions play an important role in promoting the Borough, which links closely with our role as partners in Telford’s new Business Growth Hub.”
A report to the council’s cabinet meeting on 12 November sets out Invest In Telford’s background and outlines how it will evolve moving forward.
The recently launched Telford Growth Hub brings together the council’s investment and business support team with key partners like the University of Wolverhampton, Telford Business Board and the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership.
Speaking about the Telford Growth Hub, James Beirne of Midland Alloy and Telford Business Board sector champion said: “To have business support services under one roof is a great asset for the Telford Business community. It also shows to future investors that we are pro growth and a great place to do business”.
Graham Humphreys, chairman of Eurofilm Extrusion Ltd said: “We’ve accessed funding through a range of business support providers to increase our production. Identifying funding can be somewhat of a minefield, but Telford & Wrekin Council’s business support team helped us through this process – the Growth Hub will help other businesses gain support when and where they need it”.
The council also intends to establish a £20m Growth Fund to invest in and expand its Property Investment Portfolio providing more opportunities for companies to expand or move in to the Borough and generating revenue to support growth, infrastructure and services.
