The Tees Valley Enterprise Zone was among the first Enterprise Zones to be approved by the Government in August 2011 and is made up of 12 individual sites 3 of which are in Hartlepool. Incentives available include business rate relief, enhanced capital allowances, simplified planning and superfast broadband.

Tees Valley Enterprise Zone benefits are available for all businesses irrespective of whether they are currently located in or outside the Tees Valley area. In order to benefit from the incentives available companies must be from one of the sectors identified for each of the Enterprise Zone sites. Business already located within the Tees Valley will also need to demonstrate business growth as part of their relocation.

• Hartlepool Port Estate

  An Enhanced Capital Allowance Site with first year capital allowances incentives at 100% on qualifying plant and machinery to offset against corporation tax if the investment is made before April 2017.

  The Port offers over 56 hectares of fully serviced seafront land with access to 5 quays and 3 berths and is targeted at businesses in the renewable energy and advanced engineering sectors.