| Business Development

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With an enviable reputation for enterprise and business growth, Knowsley is becoming an increasingly attractive place to 
develop a business.


O
ver the last 25 years Knowsley has faced the major challenges of economic decline and deprivation. The last decade has seen a remarkable turnaround, however, as Knowsley Council, the Knowsley Economic Forum and other partners have come together to make changes that have created a platform for genuine transformation. 
Between 2000 and 2005 the overall number of people employed in Knowsley increased by 32%; the largest increase in Merseyside and a level of growth that exceeded both regional and national figures. Recent action to increase self-employment and entrepreneurship in the borough 

has resulted in the number of new VAT registered businesses rising by 46% since 2002. 

An international reputation 
Companies in Knowsley do business throughout the world, their products and services are internationally recognised. Investment in the borough has exceeded £650m over the last decade, from major household names including Jaguar Land Rover, QVC, Newsprinters and Vertex. Smaller companies also thrive in the borough with over 800 investing almost £90m in the same period. 

Fresh Start 
Sole traders, partnerships and micro businesses are therefore just as important to KnowsleyÕs diverse economy. In partnership with a network of national and local business support agencies, the council has been successful in creating almost 1,000 new businesses in the area under the banner of the ÔFresh Start GatewayÕ. Fresh Start provides a dedicated business support officer to help with business planning, research, training and funding including a £500 start-up grant. 

Tel: 0151 477 4000 www.knowsleybusiness.com