New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership’s response to the March 2021 budget.
C-J Green, Chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We’re pleased that the Chancellor has extended business support measures until the end of September. As firms look to reopen, readjust and refocus, it will provide them with a level of certainty to know that the furlough scheme remains in place and that additional grants for non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will come into force in April.
“It is good to hear that more self employed people will be able to claim grants and I was pleased to see new support announced for our culture and arts sectors, which have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic.
“Looking to recovery, we were pleased to see a focus on creating and safeguarding jobs for the future, including doubling the employer incentive for employing apprentices. The new Help To Grow management and digital schemes will offer mentoring, peer-to-peer learning and training opportunities for SMEs to ensure they can innovate, become more productive and grasp the opportunities which are open to them.
“Alongside the ongoing support for our region’s businesses, their employees and learners, I’m delighted that the Freeport East bid for Felixstowe and Harwich has been given the go-ahead. This will be a major economic boost for our region, attracting new businesses, new investment and creating new jobs.
“We’re also very pleased to see confirmation of Town Deals for Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Ipswich – this will kickstart vital projects to regenerate these towns and create new jobs.”
