Chamber calls for support for enterprise zone

Plans to set up one of the Government’s 21 enterprise zones on land around Coventry Airport were unveiled to Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce last week.

The airport’s owner Sir Peter Rigby is planning to create a new high-tech business park and manufacturing and distribution hub as well as upgrading and improving the airport.

Coventry and Warwickshire’s new local enterprise partnership, set up by the Government to replace regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has adopted the scheme, called the Coventry and Warwickshire Gateway Development.

If successful, new businesses will have business rate relief, fewer planning restrictions and super fast broadband, while extra business rates generated will be spent locally.

Around 70 chamber members were shown the plans, which include a new junction to ease congestion at Tollbar island.

Amrik Bhabra, outgoing chairman of the chamber’s Coventry branch and an enterprise partnership board member, said the chamber had always believed a successful airport could only benefit the Coventry and Warwickshire economy and called on businesses to support the project.

He said: “This is a scheme which makes total sense, and I defy anyone who sees the plans not to be impressed with their ambition and vision.

“Sir Peter’s team have been planning them for a considerable time and the fact that we have the chance to go for enterprise zone status is a massive bonus.”

Sir Peter said: “We believe these plans are vital for the growth and prosperity of Coventry and Warwickshire and they have received a very positive response from everyone who has seen them. We want to see local businesses thrive and grow, and not have to leave the area to expand.”