Investment Zone in Blyth will have 'transformational' impact on jobs and businesses

The scheme was announced as part of the Autumn Statement in November, promising £160m of government investment in the North East, and it was announced this week that, subject to final approval in March, Blyth had been chosen to share in this funding.

As a result, new and expanding businesses in green or advanced manufacturing industries that set up in the 200 hectares of designated land in and around the Port of Blyth will receive tax breaks to encourage private investment. This could begin as early as this spring.

Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy said the announcement will cement the south east Northumberland as “a major international centre of excellence” and bring well-paid and high-skilled jobs to the Blyth Estuary.

He added: “We will see more private sector investment alongside the £160m investment by the government, and the knock-on effects for businesses and the career opportunities for local people will be transformational.

“I take every opportunity I can to bang the drum for our area in Parliament and it is great to see ministers responding so positively.”

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery also welcomed the impact of the programme on jobs in the area, but said there were “serious questions” about the success of previous, similar schemes.

He said: “The sites around the Blyth estuary can have a key role in delivering the green revolution and we need to ensure the jobs created are of good quality, well paid, and have good terms and conditions.

“Whilst it is welcomed that these zones will continue to operate under existing regulatory frameworks, we need to keep a watching eye that they are not used to weaken workers, consumer or environmental rights.

“I will be seeking the views of key local stakeholders including trade unions and businesses in the next few days as to their views on this.”

Businesses currently operating within Energy Central support around 2,700 jobs. Firms include Port of Blyth, Royal IHC, and research centre Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

The under-construction JDR Cable Systems facility north of the river, as well as the proposed site of the struggling Britishvolt gigafactory proposal, are also included in the site.

Other sites included in the Investment Zone are the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site in Sunderland and South Tyneside, the River Tyne Corridor, and North East Technology Park in County Durham.

Rhiannon Bearne, executive director of policy and representation at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “This important news for the region shows that strong collaboration between the region’s local authorities is already driving positive area-wide benefits.

“The proposed sites build on the region’s great assets in energy, advanced manufacturing, and science and technology innovation.

“By combining research and skills interventions with strategic sector-led investment, businesses and communities from Northumberland, across Tyne and Wear, and into County Durham will see significant benefits.

“We will be encouraging the government to approve these sites quickly so that mobilisation and delivery can begin at pace.”