St.Helens The Heart of the North West

The number of jobs generated, new businesses created and a big increase in the amount of new businesses surviving has put St.Helens among the top performing councils across the country.

Figures revealed in the 2008 Merseyside Economic Review show that 2000 jobs were created in St.Helens, placing it among the best performing 25 per cent of local authorities in the country. The St.Helens business start up rate of 10.4 per cent makes it the fifth best performing council and the Borough’s three year survival rates for new businesses has leapt from 60 per cent to 79 per cent - the fifth best improvement in the country.

And across Merseyside, improvements in GCSE results now see the county equalling the national pass rate.

Cllr Richard Ferry, the Council’s Executive Member for Urban Regeneration, said: "The Merseyside Economic Review is an important document which has shown that here in St.Helens we are performing well and are one of the best councils in the country for creating jobs and retaining new businesses which is boosting the economy and improving local people's lives."

Kath Boullen, Chief Executive of St.Helens Chamber, added: "For many years, St.Helens has been working hard at diversifying its economy and we are now beginning to see the results of this. It is pleasing to see that the review highlights these improvements particularly in terms of business success and new jobs being created."

For more information call John Quirk, Inward Investment Manager on 01744 724011