Leaders map out the future of Enterprise Zone

Political leaders from across South Hampshire have thrown their support behind the Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus as progress to bring new businesses and jobs to the area continues.

The local MP and council leaders have voiced strong support for the project, following a meeting held to map out the Enterprise Zone's future.

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent, and Hill Head, said: "The Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus is a hugely welcome part of the economic regeneration of our local area. Through the Enterprise Zone, we'll see the ambitious plans to create a hub of advanced manufacturing supporting marine and aerospace excellence turn into a reality. This will be a huge boost for our local economy, which is great news for businesses and job opportunities in the area."

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council and Chairman of the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), Councillor Seán Woodward, added: "The Solent Enterprise Zone is a fantastic place to do business. As an ex-Naval base it lends itself to aviation, aerospace and marine businesses who want to start in or move onto the zone. We can also offer up to a £275,000 discount on business rates, significant investment in infrastructure and existing outline planning consents. We hope to see thousands of new and well paid, skilled jobs created on the site. The Solent Enterprise Zone is open for business!"

Speaking in support of the Zone, Councillor Michael Lane, Chairman of Economic Development for Gosport Borough Council, added: "We fully support the Enterprise Zone as we see it as an ideal opportunity to provide local jobs for local people, a major requirement for Gosport. We have the people who have the skills, but there are just not enough jobs on the peninsular to accommodate them. In fact around 19,000 people commute out on a daily basis in order to work. To be able to combine those skills with jobs within the borough would be hugely beneficial for residents, businesses and the regeneration of our community."

The Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus, South Hampshire, is one of 24 set up nationally to support local economic and employment growth.

By 2026, it is estimated that around 3,500 jobs will be created within the Enterprise Zone, turning the area into a destination of choice for advanced manufacturing and technology businesses, especially within the marine, aerospace and aviation sectors.

Businesses who set up in the Enterprise Zone could benefit from a business rate discount worth up to £275,000 over five years, significant investment in infrastructure on the site and potentially a simplified planning system to support future development.

Photo l to r: Councillor Michael Lane, Chairman of Economic Development at Gosport Borough Council, Caroline Dinenage MP, Councillor Seán Woodward Leader of Fareham Borough Council, chairman of PUSH and a Director of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.