Dutch firm Venko is set to create up to 100 jobs after announcing it is to set up its first UK base in the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zone.

The site at  the South Denes peninsula was chosen by the company because of the excellent incentives offered by Enterprise Zones and the move is seen as a major vote of confidence in the resort’s outer harbour.

Benefits offered to businesses by the Zone include business rates relief, simplified planning processes and superfast broadband.

Norfolk County Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Eastport and New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership have all welcomed Venko Offshore, a leading international provider of fabric maintenance services to the energy and petrochemical sectors.

“From day one, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has been about helping to grow jobs.” said New Anglia board member Mark Goodall.

“What we are seeing here in the enterprise zone is not only investment in the future development of our economy but real jobs that are making a difference now.”

Venko Offshore was awarded a major five year contract in 2012 by ONEgas (a joint venture of Shell/ NAM) to deliver fabric maintenance activities on 35 of its installations.

“Venko are one of the most innovative offshore fabric maintenance contractors.” said Jason Grey, the firm’s operations manager.

“Utilisation of the vast supply chain network the East of England has to offer is also fundamental to the success of our company.”

Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said:

“Enterprise Zones are backing the industries of the future with significant tax incentives, faster planning and super fast broadband, and making Britain a great place to do business.

“I’m delighted that Venko is taking advantage of these incentives and is joining the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zone to create jobs, develop local skills and boost the local economy.”

County council leader George Nobbs said:

“I am delighted the hard work that has gone into developing the Enterprise Zone is starting to bear fruit. It is also a vital vote of confidence in Eastport and I am confident that there will be many more positive announcements in the coming months.”

Borough council leader Trevor Wainwright said:

“We hope the move to South Denes will enable Venko to continue to grow and create jobs for local residents. The South Denes area is an important location for the offshore energy sector.”

Fore more information on the Great Yarmouth and Lowest Enterprise Zone see: http://www.newanglia.co.uk/Investment-Opportunities.