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Sheffield Enterprise Zone creates nearly 500 jobs and a ‘skills legacy’ at the AMRC

Sheffield Enterprise Zone has created hundreds of jobs and training the next generation of engineers, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced.

Sheffield Enterprise Zone has created nearly 500 jobs as well as a ‘skills legacy’ for Britain at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

A collaboration between aircraft giants Boeing and the University of Sheffield, the facility is training 160 apprentices a year and ensuring the UK has the skills to compete on the global stage.

Figures released today show the Government’s 24 enterprise zones have created 12,530 jobs, attracted 434 new businesses and generated over £2 billion worth of private investment since opening for business.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “Sheffield’s Enterprise Zone is a success. Not only is it creating hundreds of jobs, but it’s also playing a vital role in training the next generation of engineers to ensure the UK can compete on a global scale.

“It’s further proof that our enterprise zone programme is on track, driving forward local economies and providing benefits to the community.”

The Government opened the 24 enterprise zones in April 2012 as part of a 25-year project to rebalance the economy, offering tax incentives, simplified planning and super fast broadband.

That vision has provided a major boost to the UK construction sector with work already carried out to redevelop 85 hectares of land and deliver more than 47,000 square metres of new or refurbished floor space.

James Newman, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our LEP has focused on building the UK’s number one Enterprise Zone for modern manufacturing and technology.

“We offer investors outstanding transport connectivity, a highly-skilled talent pool and the best UK Government tax incentives available.

“The strategy is clearly paying off with world leading technology companies recognising that Sheffield City Region is the best place for them to thrive in a highly competitive global marketplace.

“Since the launch of our Enterprise Zone, 18 new companies have located there with 480 jobs already created on site and around 400 set to be created in the coming months.

“Our Zone is also home to over 160 students at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre − providing the skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .