Two new Enterprise Zones unveiled

A major boost for the West Midlands economy was unveiled today as two new enterprise zones were announced, creating 4,000 new jobs by 2015.

The i54 site on the border of Staffordshire and Wolverhampton and the former IMI James Bridge copper site at Darlaston were today revealed as official zones.

But there was bitter disappointment in Dudley and West Bromwich, as they missed out on bids to become part of the Government-backed business revival scheme.

Enterprise Zone status offers companies a five-year, £275,000 discount on business rates, as well as tax breaks, simplified planning rules and new superfast broadband.

Unveiling the zones today, the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership said the jobs will be created in advanced manufacturing and environmental technologies.

Stewart Towe, chairman of LEP, said: "This is fantastic news for the Black Country as the locations with stimulate growth in our area, support our supply chain and demonstrate the region is a very desirable location to start and grow a business."

The two sites are on a cluster of land next to i54 in Wolverhampton and 40 hectares of land either side of the M6 in Darlaston.

Walsall Council Leader Mike Bird said: "This is great news for Darlaston, for Walsall and the Black Country. Today's announcement has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the area and safeguard thousands of existing jobs."

Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said he hopes the announcement would secure Jaguar Land Rover's move to Wolverhampton.

He said: "We are hopeful that this announcement will give the company the incentive to come to Wolverhampton."

In Dudley, deputy council leader Tim Wright said he was "very disappointed" the town's bid had been rejected.

But Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper denied that West Bromwich missing out would be damaging to the borough.