Yesterdays 2011 UK Budget, which was presented to the House of Commons by the governments Chancellor (George Osborne), has confirm plans to setup 21 new Enterprise Zones in predominantly urban areas "of the highest need". Related locations will benefit from simplified planning rules, access to superfast broadband ISP connections and tax breaks to help growth.


It's unclear whether the new zones will require any additional public money to setup and, if so, where it would come from. Initially just 11 locations will benefit from the new regime, although local areas will be able to bid for a further 10 that should be announced this summer 2011. More specific details should surface over the next few days.

First 11 Enterprise Zones

Birmingham and Solihull.

Leeds.

Liverpool.

Greater Manchester.

The Tees Valley.

Tyneside.

The Bristol area.

The Black Country.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Sheffield.

London (*location not yet named*).

It sounds like a good idea, although it's unclear how or even if the government intends to prevent existing businesses from simply moving their operations into the new zones to save money; as opposed to focusing upon fresh start-ups. Some further details can be found on the HMRC site.