i54 South Staffordshire gains Enterprise Zone Status

On 17 August 2011 the government announced that the i54 South Staffordshire investment site in southern Staffordshire has been awarded Enterprise Zone status. 

The good news puts Staffordshire on the international map for job creation and enterprise, building on all the hard work that has made Staffordshire a leader in job creation nationally.

In the north of the county the news was tempered by the fact that the other EZ bid focused around the Etruria Valley did not get the green light.

Our Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Enterprise Ben Adams said Staffordshire was fast becoming a hot spot for growth, jobs and enterprise:

"Although we didn’t get everything we wanted, the news on i54 South Staffordshire is a real boost for Staffordshire and for the Midlands. To have won one of the 21 Enterprise Zones is a real achievement and puts us in the Premier League for international investment decisions.

"Of course the Etruria decision is a setback for the north of the county and Stoke, but together we are determined to capitalise on our success, and build on all the great achievements we have delivered, securing Regional Growth fund money, Broadband funding, and start up funds for the Local Enterprise partnership.

"Our determination and belief in the area are absolute. Staffordshire’s red carpet, business needs focused approach to attracting investment has already gained government attention and approval.

"We are 100% committed to making life easy for investors – and it is delivering the goods. Big international names are setting up home here, bringing more jobs and prosperity. Enterprise Zone status for i54 South Staffordshire is symptomatic of the growing Staffordshire success story"

Further information can be found by downloading the i54 South Staffordshire brochure and by visiting the official i54 South Staffordshire website or Make It Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire.