Business Doncaster, through its unique public and private sector partnerships, offers a wide range of free and impartial advice and guidance to businesses throughout the borough, with a dedicated relationship manager to support existing and new businesses with their goals.

Statistics from April to July show 2019 is looking to be a highly successful one for economic development, inward investment and business growth with the Business Doncaster team making a significant contribution to economic growth.

Business Doncaster contributed to more than £35 million of new investment with support in creating over 50 jobs in the borough. The team also handled a significant number of supply chain interventions, already bringing over £150,000 of business to local companies with a month-by-month increase in new property enquiries.

Bill Mordue, Portfolio Holder for Business, Skills and Economic Development said: “I’m delighted to see these figures – it really is a tribute to the energy of businesses in Doncaster and to the expert advice, relationship building and signposting of our advisors.

“Business Doncaster offers a huge pool of knowledge and the highly experienced team of specialists work across all levels and sectors. The team also work with many partners and organisations across the region and nationally, providing new investors and businesses with the most appropriate help and advice to help them succeed and grow.”

Support is offered through networking events, access to finance, export and innovation advice, supply chain and tendering, PR and workforce development. Business Doncaster also provides access to free masterclasses on topical subjects including social media marketing and public sector procurement.

Over the next five years Doncaster is predicted to have one of the highest economic growth rates in the Sheffield City Region, driven by a number of key development projects acting as a catalyst for business development, inward investment and job creation.

Huge development sites such as iPort continue to grow and 2019 saw the new opening of Lidl creating £70million of inward investment and over 400 jobs. With names including Amazon, Ceva Logistics and Fellowes UK already there, the site is looking to create upwards of 2000 jobs. Phase 2 is underway with the offer of several large units including a 731,000 sq.ft. warehouse deal.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport goes from strength to strength with more new flights and routes announced this year. Cargo operations are growing at a tremendous pace, too. Coupled with the opening of the second phase of the Great Yorkshire Way link road and the construction of various speculative industrial unit developments, the Airport and the Aero Centre business park is fast becoming the ‘business location’ of choice within the region.

Herten Triangle, the new, fully let 8 restaurant and drive-through development at Doncaster Lakeside managed and developed by Doncaster Council, was completed in March 2019. Taco Bell and Dunkin Doughnuts are experiencing high footfall and sales during their opening weeks.

The CCQ development continues at a pace with work starting on the construction of a new Cultural and Learning Centre and the new Savoy Cinema and restaurant complex next to Cast. This area will also be home to the new Doncaster UTC.

Further Town Centre regeneration plans saw the famous Wool Market open its doors once again to the public in March, bringing a revived energy to the area.

The train station is undergoing an upgrade and refurbishment whilst streets such as Hallgate and Silver Street will become pedestrianised, making the town centre more accessible for shopping and leisure activities. Once complete, this will provide a fantastic new look whilst continuing to attract new independent retail businesses.

February saw the largest, most highly attended Business Showcase event across the whole of South Yorkshire taking place at Doncaster Racecourse. With over 250 exhibition stands from across the region and beyond and with a strong footfall of an estimated 2000 visitors, this hugely popular event is set to return once again on 27 February – book your stand early to avoid disappointment.

And last, but by no means least, following a strong campaign bid, Doncaster has been chosen as a host town for the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

Business Doncaster is committed to the town’s growth and will continue to work hard throughout this period of political uncertainty, to ensure we achieve success at all levels.

Chris Dungworth, Business Doncaster Head of Service said: “Going forward the focus of our work is changing. Our priority will be to grow our strategically important business sectors in order to attract new investment, new business and new jobs.

“By raising the profile of Doncaster internationally and providing the right offer for businesses we are certain we will continue to attract our fair share of new business investment.”

If you would like to know more about the developments and investment potential available in Doncaster call 01302 735555 or visit www.wearedoncaster.co.uk

You May Also Like