Three wards in the Dover district have Assisted Area Status for the period 2014-2020, including Eastry, Little Stour & Ashstone, and Sandwich. These areas have potential for business growth, particularly manufacturing.
Businesses locating to Assisted Areas may be eligible for regional aid under European Commission state aid rules, which is typically offered as a capital investment.
In England, programmes offering regional aid include the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to support private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment, and the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI)
Assisted Areas status can also offer certain tax allowances:
- Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) gives an incentive to bring derelict or unused properties back into use, by giving an initial allowance of 100% for expenditure on converting or renovating unused business premises in a disadvantaged area.
- Enhanced Capital Allowances may be permitted at the Discovery Park Enterprise Zone.
More information on Assisted Area Status