HEREFORD enterprise zone (HEZ) has new link – that doesn’t involve road building.

Today, the zone’s management board welcomed Herefordshire Council cabinet member for economy and corporate services Cllr Graham Powell as a member.

Cllr Powell said he saw his role on the board as a link between the council and the zone, known as Skylon Park.

“We are getting less and less funding from Central Government and need to rely more on council tax and business rates to support the delivery of our core services.

“Bringing more businesses and people to the county with developments like Skylon Park will help us generate that income.

“The council can enable the infrastructure that can help Skylon Park thrive and I look forward to providing a link between the two organisations for the benefit of Herefordshire as a whole,” he said.

Bill Jackson, HEZ chairman, said Cllr Powell was “committed” to organisations working together to bring economic prosperity to Herefordshire.

 “I look forward to working with him,” he said.

Skylon Park is already home to a regional centre for Western Power Distribution and construction industry supplier Marches Global.

Beck Products, a leading UK supplier to the construction and horticultural industries, also has a base on the Park. 

A number of other projects are currently under construction.

Skylon Court, a £1.7 million development offering high quality business space, workshops and flexible units, is due to be completed this summer.

Businesses moving onto Skylon Park can benefit from a range of incentives including simplified and free planning, superfast and ultrafast broadband and business rates relief.

With more than 100 acres of land available for development, the Zone is looking to stimulate significant business activity, with over 4,000 jobs accommodated on site by 2022.