Firm pulls out of plan for factory on flagship city site

David Salkeld, chief executive of the food group Symington’s, had planned to establish a noodle factory inside the Leeds Enterprise Zone. However, he has now decided to establish the factory in another part of Leeds. The precise location will be announced soon.

Mr Salkeld said: “There were better options outside the enterprise zone. We didn’t see any benefit to being inside the enterprise zone.”

Symington’s, which has sites in Leeds and Bradford and employs around 600 people, stressed that it still aims to concentrate its business in Leeds. A spokesman said it was fully committed to its site at Thornes Farm, which is inside the enterprise zone, where it has 100 employees.

England’s 24 enterprise zones were established by the Governnment to stimulate economic growth. Firms based inside the zones can claim business rates relief, and benefit from simplified planning procedures.

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said Symington’s had been granted planning permission to expand its premises in the enterprise zone. The spokeswoman added: “The Leeds Enterprise Zone is offering a range of benefits and support to companies with plans to expand in Leeds including simpler and quicker planning approvals; access to tailored support for funding and recruitment; and access to quality sites.

“The success of the zone is shown through the pipeline of development which is already happening, including Watershed Packaging, who are on site building their new manufacturing centre.”

She said work on the new link road through the site, funded by the council, was due to start in February. Active discussions were taking place with a range of companies at different stages about locating to the zone.