Investment zones explained

In his first Spring Budget as Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt announced a number of ‘investment zones’ across the country.

The programme will provide 12 areas, split across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with £80 million in support and “put powers and money in the hands of communities that need it most”.

As part of the Government’s levelling up plans, these zones will drive business investment through “generous tax incentives” and bolster the UK’s potential as a hub for innovation.

In his speech, Hunt set out the eligibility for zones that wish to be part of the scheme. He said: “To be chosen, each area must identify a location where they can offer a bold and imaginative partnership between local
government and a university or research institute in a way that catalyses new innovation clusters.

Read more on Investment zones explained here: 

You might be interested in...

  1. Why The Most Innovative SMES Don't Go It Alone

    30 Sep 2026

    Why The Most Innovative SMES Don’t Go It Alone

    When businesses rely solely on internal decision-making, opportunities for innovation can become fragmented and financial planning risks becoming reactive rather than strategic. Here's why external advice matters.

    Learn more

    Why The Most Innovative SMES Don’t Go It Alone
  2. The hidden cost of waiting for month end

    30 Sep 2026

    The hidden cost of waiting for month end

    In an economy that operates at real-time speed, month-end reporting could be costing your business more than you realise.

    Learn more

    The hidden cost of waiting for month end
  3. Why AI Infrastructure Investment Matters Even for SMEs

    30 Sep 2026

    Why AI Infrastructure Investment Matters, Even for SMEs

    Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99.85% of all private sector businesses in the UK. Yet when discussions turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI), many business owners still assume that the real investment and opportunity sit with large corporates that... Read more

    Learn more

    Why AI Infrastructure Investment Matters, Even for SMEs