More than 8,000 new jobs are heading for Oxfordshire’s Science Vale area in the south-west of our county after the Government named it as one of ten new Enterprise Zones across the UK. The successful bid made by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) envisages 200,000 square metres of development delivered by the private sector by 2015. This is expected to bring in around 8,400 high-tech, high-value-adding jobs and generate up to £10.5m of additional business rates a year. These funds can be directly reinvested into the Oxfordshire economy. The zone will consist of two of the UK’s biggest science and research business parks – Harwell Oxford and Milton Park – with the single ambition of being globally competitive to the benefit of Oxfordshire and the UK. Great location, great facilities Located at the heart of the country, close to pioneering Oxford and with excellent transport links to London, the north and international destinations, the new development is well connected. Combined with the internationally-recognised science, research and business facilities at Harwell Oxford and Milton Park, Science Vale UK is an incredibly attractive investment proposal with a global reputation that can only grow. New businesses will benefit from over £1bn of business rate discounts over five years, simplified planning procedures and access to super-fast broadband. Making the most of the Vale’s potential Cllr Matthew Barber, Leader of the Vale of White Horse DC said ‘The Vale of White Horse has championed and facilitated economic growth for many years. The award of an Enterprise Zone will enable us to launch many more high-tech businesses within Science Vale UK. Our council will make it easy for international and local companies to establish and grow their businesses here, creating more high quality jobs for local people’