TWO BAE Systems plants have been chosen as the preferred bid for Lancashire’s enterprise zone.
Members of the county’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are to put forward to the Government the areas around the defence giant’s Samlesbury and Warton sites.
However, Lancashire will face stiff competition to gain enterprise zone status, with 30 bids expected from across the country and only 10 likely to be successful.
LEP chairman Edwin Booth said: "The advanced engineering and manufacturing industry is already among Lancashire's economic strengths, employing thousands of people in some internationally-renowned facilities.
"By definition it is an industry that must move with the times and this bid aims to ensure Lancashire is at the heart of pioneering the next wave of technological advances.
“The board feels it is an excellent bid that measures up well against the criteria the Government will consider.”
Enterprise zones will aim to lure businesses with discounted business rates, superfast broadband and more relaxed planning regulations.
There are expected to be upwards of 30 bids for enterprise zones from across the country, with a maximum of 10 likely to be approved.
The Government will announce the successful bids later in the summer.
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