A BUSINESS that has relocated to Brierley Hill is the first to benefit from Dudley Council’s Business Investment Zone scheme.

Commercial Express, a commercial insurance broker, has moved its Dudley based headquarters to The Waterfront due to rapid expansion over the last 12 months.

Under the scheme the company will receive a two-year business rate free period as well as specialised support from the council’s Dudley Business First team.

The council has been working with property owners at The Waterfront to encourage new business into the 200,000 sq ft of space available there.

There are also ongoing enquiries from other firms also looking to locate into the area under the scheme.

Duncan Pritchard, managing director at Commercial Express, said: “The company has seen considerable growth over the last year and we are expecting to see further increases over the coming months and years.

“The Dudley Business Investment Zone scheme has given us the opportunity to move to bigger premises, invest in growth and take on new people here in Dudley borough.”

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for regeneration, added: “Commercial Express is one of many businesses that are thriving here in Dudley and schemes such as this one are giving companies even more incentive to grow or relocate in our borough.”

The council’ cabinet approved the Dudley Business Investment Zone scheme in February this year.

The cost of the business rate incentive is shared by the council and participating property owners in the area.

Existing occupiers already in the ‘Waterfront zone’ who intend on expanding their operations may be eligible for the discount but only on any additional floor space occupied, over and above the floor space occupied at the time the zone was declared.

To find out more about Dudley Business Investment Zone, visit www.dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk or call 01384 812001.