First … the Minister’s misfortune at being unable to open this Park officially is my good fortune.
It’s a genuine privilege and honour to step up to the plate to launch this Government-backed enterprise zone.
Some truly innovative and enterprising companies … such as Atlas Elektronik and QinetiQ … are already here … but this regeneration venture will surely attract others … creating we hope about 2,000 more jobs.
This is a more optimistic picture than the one conjured up by a minority of people who claim that South Dorset is a poverty-stricken wasteland … where hopes and aspirations are crushed by deprivation and low wages.
While there are such pockets – and we must never be complacent about tackling the issue - this initiative … and others in the area – up to 60 new jobs being created by a maritime engineering company at Portland Port – are testament to the hard work that is going on across the board to improve people’s career prospects and choices.
It’s hoped that this site will attract similar companies … building on the existing expertise in marine … defence … and energy that is already here.
It’s extraordinary to think that where we are standing is the first decommissioned nuclear site in the UK …
And I’d like to pay tribute to all those who worked here at the nuclear site and to those who dismantled it.
It proves two things.
First … nuclear stations can be decommissioned safely and diligently … and second … they can be turned to good use afterwards.
I’d like to touch briefly on the national picture … allowing my friend and colleague Cllr Cherry Brookes to expand on what exactly is planned for this site and how it’s been funded.
I think it important to note that our country still sits on a financial cliff-edge … with a national debt of some £1.8 trillion.
That’s costing us in interest some £50 billion a year … a truly terrifying figure.
Although the manufacturing figures are improving … this is due in no small part to a weaker pound post EU referendum.
With the pressure on the public sector as never before … we as a country must generate more income … and therefore more tax … to pay for it all.
This enterprise zone … and others around the country … are an integral part of that plan.
Then … it’s up to the skill and dash of entrepreneurs and businessmen and women to create prosperity and jobs.
We as a Government must create the environment to allow these aspirations to become reality.
It is not our job to run businesses … and it never should be.
Nowhere better exemplifies this than Venezuela!
This enterprise zone is one of 44 around the UK.
They are geographically defined areas … hosted by local LEPs.
They come with a range of incentives – both financial and planning - that I’m sure Cherry will tell us about shortly.
By August 2015 … the DCLG reported that these zones has created 19,000 jobs … attracted £2.2 billion of private investment … and more than 500 new businesses.
The allocation of this site met the four key principles laid out by Government – opportunity … long-term viability … strategic fit … and minimising displacement.
A lot of work has gone into not repeating the mistakes of previous enterprise zones established in the 1980s.
An in-depth report suggested that employment and skills support to increase productivity are a key component of successful EZs.
So far as this site is concerned … funding for the first five years of the 25-year implementation plan is secured.
Can I just say that I trust the ‘scoping’ exercise’ that’s currently being carried out on Chesil House turns into ‘refurbishment’ at the very least … and ideally a rebuild!
That’s a plug from my team!
And talking of plugs … can I put in final word for Weymouth College … which offers hope and career prospects to many young people down here.
Can I urge business leaders here … and those who will come … to work closely with the College … and back it to the hilt.
I’d like to conclude my few words by thanking the Dorset LEP … DCC … PDC … and of course our hosts today … Atlas Elektronik.
No company better epitomizes what we want here … and their contribution to the local economy … jobs … and prosperity is impressive to say the least.
I am honoured to launch this Enterprise Zone … which promises so much … and will richly enhance job prospects in my constituency.