The Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth – Jake Berry MP – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Didcot Growth Accelerator enterprise zone.

Alongside OxLEP Chief Executive Nigel Tipple, the minister signed the MOU at last week’s MIPIM UK event at Olympia London (19 October).

Initially confirmed in spring last year, the Didcot Growth Accelerator creates new opportunities for potential businesses looking to invest in Oxfordshire, supporting – as well as helping to commercialise – ideas and technologies generated out of Science Vale UK.

The Didcot Growth Accelerator is one of 44 enterprise zones across England, specifically-pinpointed as an area that can significantly support growth.

The area comprises of five sites totalling 95 hectares, with the ability to deliver 3.25 million square feet of new business space.

Nigel Tipple said: “This agreement underpins our potential to grow the Oxfordshire economy through a strong partnership between the private and public sector.

“Geographically, this enterprise zone offers major business space opportunities. So the MOU means we can be more effective in our planning and better meet the needs of growing business – particularly in relation to Science Vale UK.

“Ultimately – this news represents another positive step in ensuring Oxfordshire has an infrastructure that is fit for purpose, supporting our ability to grow.”