Local MP Marcus Jones has welcomed further investment from Government which will allow local businesses eligible to bid for additional funding and tax breaks to create jobs, invest in new premises or machinery and grow, under the ‘Assisted area status’.

Programmes in England include the Regional Growth Fund and the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain initiative, and the Government has substantially increased the areas eligible to receive support to include manufacturing areas, and Nuneaton stands to benefit.

As part of the consultation, Marcus responded and welcomed the inclusion of local areas in Nuneaton, which include industrial areas like the Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, the Whitacre Road Industrial Estate and the town centre, but asked for additional areas to be included.

Commenting, Marcus said: “This is an important part of the Government’s efforts to rebalance the economy and promote private sector investment, and it is very welcome news that more parts of our country stand to benefit, including Nuneaton. A great deal of work has already gone into initiatives like the Local Enterprise Partnership and I am very keen to support this initiative which I am certain will be a driver for new jobs.

“Many Nuneaton businesses are eligible to apply for this type of support, and I would encourage businesses to visit http://www.ukassistedareasmap.com/ to find out more.”

It is anticipated that the scheme will be operational from 1 July 2014.