THE Haven Enterprise Zone has been expanded to provide more businesses with support following the closure of the Murco Milford Haven refinery.

The Enterprise Zone Business Rates Scheme, which allows small and medium sized businesses to apply for a grant to offset their business rates for up to two years, is now available in Brunel Quay, Neyland, the area to the west of Milford Haven, the Martello Quay and Stockwell Road areas of Pembroke Dock, Trecwn and Goodwick as well as the original zone area.

Businesses in these additional areas are being contacted by Welsh Government to advise them that they may be eligible for support under the scheme, which opened for applications yesterday (Wednesday).

Economy Minister Edwina Hart, said:"The scheme supports businesses and promotes economic growth and job creation in Wales. This application round is specifically focused on those new areas which now fall within the enhanced boundary of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone as a result of the works undertaken by the Murco Taskforce and is just one of the measures to help mitigate the effects of the closure of the Murco refinery on the local economy.

"I would encourage all small and medium sized businesses that are either located in the newly extended area of the Enterprise Zone or anybody who is looking to start a business in these areas of the Enterprise Zone to apply."

Applications for the current financial year for businesses in the newly expanded area in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone can be made from 4 February until 25 February.

The maximum grant available to each successful applicant is the lower of £55,000 a year or the business rates paid.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies said: “I welcome the Minister’s announcement and I am pleased that action is being taken.

“Extending the enterprise zone to allow other businesses to benefit is a common sense move.

“Along with Stephen Crabb MP, I will continue working with all those affected to ensure appropriate support is provided following Murco’s recent announcement.”

Businesses may qualify for up to 100% funding of business rates if they are a small or medium sized enterprise, either looking to start up in an Enterprise Zone or already in a Zone and looking to increase the size of the permanent workforce.

Further information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, is available by contacting 03000 6 03000 or emailing businesssupport@wales.gsi.gov.uk.