- 24/01/2013
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
Assembly Member Joyce Watson has welcomed news that the Milford Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone is set to expand.
Plans to develop the Haven Enterprise Zone took another step forward this week when the Welsh Government announced new sites to be included within the special economic area.
At the Senedd on Tuesday (22 January) Business Minister Edwina Hart announced a number of key business sites will be included within the zone, extending from the immediate Haven area to the surrounding areas of Honeyborough, Thornton and Haverfordwest airport.
Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson welcomed the news and urged the Minister to work with small businesses and education providers to develop apprenticeships within the area – to secure long-term benefits, she argued.
Joyce Watson said:
“The importance of assisting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises with growth potential in an area where they make a significant contribution to the future sustainability of the local economy cannot be overstated”.
The Minister announced small and medium-sized businesses would receive targeted support and confirmed that following successful negations between the Welsh and UK governments, businesses inside the zone will benefit from 100% capital allowances for investing in plant and machinery.
One of the new places where funding for machinery will be available is the 200 acre Waterston site recently purchased by the Welsh Government. The Waterston site is adjacent to the Blackbridge site, owned by Pembrokeshire County Council. The Government is working in partnership with the council to develop the two sites for complementary use.
Mrs Watson added:
“The Haven waterway zone offers a fantastic opportunity to develop Pembrokeshire’s existing energy industry, attract new investment, and support local businesses”.
The Haven Waterway will focus on investment in energy projects, the creation of green jobs and the enhancement of existing jobs. Priorities for the Zone include the enhancement of ICT and transport links.
