HIGH speed broadband, funding for private sector developments and business rate reliefs could all be coming to Anglesey as government and council officials look to capitalise on the Island’s enterprise status.
Anglesey was named as an enterprise zone by the Welsh Government in September last year, with the hope that local businesses can build on the Island’s leading role in the energy industry.
The Government announced four other enterprise zones in Deeside, Cardiff, Ebbw Vale and St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, all of which are set to benefit from a £10 million investment grant.
Anglesey Council, along with consultants URS Scott Wilson, are proposing business rate reliefs to encourage growth in small and medium sized businesses as well as capital allowances for companies wishing to invest in new facilities and machinery.
There will also be deferred payment on land sales where sites are in public ownership, local development orders to speed up certain planning applications, and infrastructure funding to enable private sector development.
The Council has also said it intends to use the Welsh Government’s highspeed broadband programme, a move that will benefit residents and businesses alike.
Dylan Williams, Acting Head of Economic Development, at Anglesey Council said: “We are very pleased to be working with the Welsh Government on making the Energy Island Enterprise Zone a reality.
“This prospectus and the accompanying report is the first step in making that happen, and creating a new set of opportunities for business and jobs here on Anglesey.”
Projects such as Wylfa B, the Skerries tidal scheme, the biomass plant in Holyhead, as well as wind turbine developments, are expected to amount to an investment of more than £8 billion over the coming years.