The Business and Investment section of the Transport and Regeneration Service has focused its strategic priorities, to ensure that business competitiveness and economic growth are part of its overall drive. The Service was formed to deliver economic change in Cheshire. It is part of a range of changes to the way the Council services are delivered and will spearhead a 'can do' approach, promoting sustainable economic development in the County.
What does it do?
The service offers advice to inward investors, supports businesses throughout Cheshire and works with strategic partnerships including the Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA), Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA) and the County Economic Development Officers Society (CEDOS).
Summary of Activity Areas:
Business Generation Centres (BGC's)
Purpose designed units, studios and offices in managed workspaces throughout Cheshire. The primary aim of the centres is to help new and micro businesses prosper and grow by offering quality business accommodation at reasonable licence fees. Business Generation Centres website
Business Information Service
A joint venture between Cheshire’s Transport and Regeneration Service and the Library Service to provide a one stop shop, first point of contact for practical business information to the business community within Cheshire. Business Information Service website
Business Location Service
A free and confidential service assisting inward investing, expanding and start-up businesses to find appropriate sites or premises in Cheshire, together with advice on planning, highways, grants, skills, wage levels and demographics. Business Location Service website
Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA)
The CWEA was established in September 2001, to act as the representative and co-ordinating voice to the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) on strategic issues. The vision of the CWEA is to ensure that the sub-region continues to improve its competitiveness and gross domestic product and in doing so ensure that the communities and economies of Cheshire and Warrington are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
County Economic Development Officers Society (CEDOS)
The CEDOS provides a forum for Economic Development professionals working for Local Authorities in England to meet, network and exchange best practice. It provides an opportunity to influence national and European policies by working closely with organisations such as the Audit Commission, the Improvement and Development Agency, the Institute of Economic Development Officers and the Local Government Association.
Crewe Business Park
Prestigious employment park created through a public sector partnership between Cheshire County Council and Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council. Crewe Business Park's website
Crewe Green Link Road/University Way
This new road will link the A500 Basford-Hough-Shavington Bypass to the A534 at the western end of the Haslington Bypass. The road will improve the economic competitiveness by vastly improving the business environment as a place to locate and will provide an alternative to the existing A534 Nantwich Road. Major Highways Projects website
Economic Development Zone (4M/EDZ)
4M/EDZ is an area of Ellesmere Port, which includes many major existing industries and employers, where European funding has been identified to assist economic, physical and social regeneration within the corridor formed by the M53, M56, the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey. EDZ funding encourages strategic investment and development projects which otherwise, may not prove commercially viable. Economic Development Zone website
Farmers’ Markets
An initiative which allows farmers, growers and producers from a defined local area to sell their produce direct to the public. Farmers Markets website
Made In Cheshire
Made in Cheshire is a partnership between Cheshire County Council, District Councils and food and drink producers, in Cheshire and Warrington. The aim of the initiative is to give local food and drink producers, the opportunity to market their businesses more effectively and to sell directly to consumers and trade at a local, regional and national level. It will ultimately provide real commercial opportunities to encourage progress, growth and profitability and help support the rural economy.
Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA)
A partnership between the public and private sectors tackling social, economic and environmental issues in Wirral, Ellesmere Port & Neston and Chester districts. Mersey Dee Alliance's website
Northwest Development Agency (NWDA)
The NWDA is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England's North West through the promotion of business competitiveness, efficiency, investment, employment and skills development.
North West Regional Assembly (NWRA)
The NWRA acts as the representative body for the North West, working to promote its sustainable economic, social and environmental well being. It brings together all of the local authorities with representatives from the private and voluntary sectors.
Property Pilot/Evolutive
Property Pilot is the UK's best selling software for inward investment. It comprises a fully facilitated property and company database, combined with comprehensive enquiry and contact management facilities. Cheshire Sites and Premises website
Sustainable Business Initiatives
The DICIDA-UK network provides a forum where all Local Authorities and public sector agencies in areas with a concentration of employment in the chemicals industry, can join forces to secure an economically and environmentally sustainable future for their communities.
Contact
Business and Investment
Transport and Regeneration Service
Backford Hall
Nr Chester
CH1 6PZ
Tel: +44 (0)1244 973156
Fax: +44 (0)1244 973003
E-mail: econdev@cheshire.gov.uk
Related Links
Who to talk to
- Business Funding - 01244 972664
- Business Generation Centres - 01244 973392
- Business Information Service - 0151 337 4693/4695
- Joint Venture Developments - 01244 972619
- Local Partnerships - 01244 972619
- Marketing and Promotions - 01244 972626
- Sites and Premises - 01244 973156
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