The
Merseyside economy has received a massive boost with the launch of a £67m
support package which could lead to 4,000 new jobs in the region.
The
money has been awarded to the Greater Merseyside Enterprises, the area’s new
small business service, following the Government’s successful bid for Objective
One funding status for the area. Objective One is awarded by the EU on the
basis of an area’s unemployment level, and if its GDP per capita is below 75
per cent of the European average.
Trade
and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt welcomed the funding and highlighted the
importance of strong regional economies. "This is fantastic news for
Merseyside – a partnership of Government, Europe and local business that is set
to deliver 4,000 jobs over the next three years," she said.
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The
package of grants will run for three years, and is made up of £27m from the EU,
£26m from local business and a further £14m from government match funding.
By
Ross Wigham
