Minister visits Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zone to see progress at first hand

Posted on 8 August 2014 · Posted in News

Yesterday Local Growth Minister Penny Mordaunt visited the Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft  Enterprise Zone at Mobbs Way, to see the development, at first hand.

Construction work on the site is nearly complete with nine out of 14 units already let and another under offer.

New tenants at the site include:

  • Commercial roofing company, CCC Roofing & Cladding
  • Offshore engineering company, LOS Electrical Engineers
  • Vehicle design and graphics business, Livery Solutions Ltd
  • Treats & Sweets, a confectionary and pet treats distribution company
  • Brierley Imports, an import and distribution company

In total there were will be 19 light industrial units on the site. Four more units, that are nearly complete, are still available and a further five units will be complete in October.

The scheme also includes two self-contained two-storey office buildings.

MS Oakes Securities Ltd is the landowner and developer which has invested £2 million into the site. The Minister met with Trevor Waters, Director and David Perring, Construction Manager of MS Oakes. She also met Eunice Edwards, from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership; Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney; Leader of Waveney District Council, Colin Law; Paul Moss the programme manager for major projects for Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils and Mike Dowdall, the Economic Development Manager for Suffolk County Council.

Local Growth Minister Penny Mordaunt said:

“I have been very impressed with the clear vision and understanding I’ve seen at the New Anglia Enterprise Zone today. So much has been achieved in the last 18 months in what was effectively a derelict site.

“I met people with confidence and an understanding of the local area who want to make the place thrive and become a centre of excellence for renewable industries.

“The Government’s long term economic plan is to build a resilient economy. I was glad to hear how our billion pound package of investment in local businesses, such as targeted business rate discounts, is helping these businesses reach their potential. Our job is to just let people get on with it.”

Mark Oakes, the managing director of MS Oakes said: “We are pleased with the success of the first phase of the 21 units with 10 of the 14 completed units let to local businesses. The construction of the second phase is well advanced.

“The £2.5 million scheme benefits from Enterprise Zone status where tenants benefit from free rates, high speed internet and relaxed planning regulations. The delivery of the scheme is an excellent example of private businesses working collaboratively with local authorities.”

Chris Starkie, managing director of New Anglia LEP said: “We’re delighted that the Minister visited the Enterprise Zone at Mobbs Way and was able to see, at first hand, the enormous progress made. The Enterprise Zone offers real benefits to businesses who want to locate here and it is clear from what we have seen at Mobbs Way that this is paying dividends in attracting new companies in to the area and allowing existing ones to expand and grow.”

Pamela Dunlop, Branch Manager of CCC Roofing & Cladding Ltd which recently moved onto the site said: “Our company is a rapidly growing family run business based in Slough with strong connections to East Anglia and we are proud to have recently expanded to brand new offices in Mobbs Way Business Park, Oulton.

“The location of our new premises provides easy access to all major trading estates within East Anglia with the added advantages of being in the heart of the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone. We have already made numerous contacts in the area and we have every confidence that with hard work and dedication, our new venture will continue to raise our profile.

“Our ambition is to become an integral part of the construction industry within East Anglia for commercial, industrial and agricultural building projects.”

Cllr Colin Law, Leader of Waveney District Council said: “The Enterprise Zone is a real catalyst for economic growth and offers genuine benefits to businesses. Mobbs Way is a great example of the Enterprise Zone in action and I’m delighted that the Minister has been here to see it first hand.”