As news emerges about this new Enterprise Zone, we await more information on exactly what it means for local businesses and inward investors. The information released so far by the Treasury indicates that businesses locating within the Enterprise Zone will receive business rate relief up to a maximum of £275,000. Estimates from Sheffield City Region are that an additional 400,000 sq m of floor space, 250 businesses and 12,600 jobs will be located in the Enterprise Zone by 2015.

The scheme has been - and will be - compared to the similar initiatives in the 1980s and 1990s which helped to regenerate the former coalmining areas in the region, including the Dearne Valley.

It is too early to predict what the actual impact will be for Barnsley, but BDA will be making sure we know what's happening and share it with local businesses as soon as we can.