Business and investment Enterprise zone and business rates discounts

There are discounts for eligible businesses in enterprise zones in the city. The aim enterprise zones is to give businesses an incentive to move into an area to provide jobs and improve local and national growth. The two zones are:

  • Manchester Airport City Extension Enterprise Zone is a string of linked sites focused around Manchester Airport, Wythenshawe Centre and University Hospital South Manchester Foundation Trust.
  • Greater Manchester Corridor Enterprise Zone comprises two sites located just off Oxford Road at Manchester Science Park campus and Citylabs campus. 

Business that moved into these zones between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2021 may be entitled to a discount on business rates for up to five years. 

This is a complex area that is covered by legislation. Read all the guidance in these pages and seek advice before committing to move into the zone.

How much you can get

We may grant a 100 per cent discount for the five year period following occupation, for each property, up to state aid de minimis levels. Read about state aid.

The discount reduces the amount of business rates you pay us.

Businesses entitled to other types of business rates relief and discounts will have these applied to the bill first. The enterprise zone discount is applied on the remaining amount.
For example if a business is entitled to 50 per cent small business rate relief, the enterprise zone discount would be applied to cover the remaining 50 percent of the bill.

Contact us with any queries about the application process.

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