Date: Fri 4th November, 2011
Venue: Birmingham Science Park, B7 4BB
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Panel confirmed so far:
The previous Enterprise Zones (EZs) of the 1980s provided a number of incentives to developers, investors and occupiers of industrial and commercial properties, such as 100% tax allowance on capital expenditure, an exemption from business rates, and simplified planning procedures. The rationale was to reduce costs to firms to enable companies to become more profitable. The focus for EZs were in deprived areas where it was regarded that there was market failure.
However, the previous Enterprise Zones delivered mixed results, both in terms of development and jobs. In some cases, the net additional benefits were relatively modest due to deadweight and displacement effects. In addition, the previous EZs, when evaluated, were thought to have cost the public sector approximately £800m to £1bn, equating to approximately £17,000 per job created. This level of cost is significant in the context of the current public sector finances. It is therefore critical that the new package of benefits proposed by the new EZs are maximised to best effect, as they could prove a powerful magnet for investment.
At our latest breakfast event Insider will throw the spotlight on the effect Enterprise Zones could have on the Midlands economy. We'll take a look at each of the areas granted Enterprise Zone status and ask whether, this time, around they'll be better value for money.
What are they expecting the zones to be able to achieve and how do they fit in with wider plans for economic growth? Are they likely to be able to stimulate commercial property development and are the incentives on offer attractive enough to get companies to re-locate?
And how do they ensure that the requisite number of jobs are created and that the zones encourage real inward investment and don't simply suck in companies from existing business parks nearby or those currently based in other parts of the city or region hungry for tax breaks?
Our panel will try and answer these questions-and more. With input from an invited audience of business owners, company directors, and professionals this is sure to be a lively debate.
Our events are regularly over-subscribed therefore please register your interest as soon as possible. If you have been successful you will receive a confirmation email one week prior to the event. Please click here to register your interest.
If you need any more information, please contact Kate Marshall on 0161 907 9754.
If you are interested in sponsoring this or any other Insider event, please contact Richard Carey on 0121 204 1490.
Event timings:
7.30am – Breakfast and registration
8.00am – Meeting commences
9.30am – Approximate close
Guests are invited to remain behind after the formal close for coffee and networking.
Event sponsored by:
