Selby District Council's decision last year to reduce rents at the industrial units it manages is helping to encourage greater use of this local business resource and is supporting companies during the economic recovery.

Recent figures show that the number of empty industrial units at the Council's sites in Selby and Sherburn in Elmet has significantly reduced since the rent reductions were put in place for many, whilst other have seen their rent frozen since April this year.

This is part of Selby District Council's priority this year to work with partners to secure the economic recovery of the district.  This also supports the Council's long-term goal of promoting prosperity.

In total the Council manages 46 industrial units at five sites in the district and owns two cafe premises.  At The Vivars industrial estate in Selby eight new leases have been signed over the past year; while at the Prospect Centre in the town only two of the 14 units are now unoccupied.  Elsewhere a brand new agreement has recently been signed for a company to run a new cafe business from the Council's unit at Selby bus station.

In Sherburn in Elmet occupation rates for industrial premises have remained steady with all of the units at Swordfish Way occupied, and companies in all but one of the units at Sherburn Enterprise Centre; although a lease agreement is being negotiated for this remaining property.

Chair of Selby District Council's Economy Board, Cllr David Fagan, said, "This shows that our decision to reduce rents for some and freeze costs for others has benefited local companies and helped to support them to expand even during these tough economic times.

"One of the Council's ongoing priorities is to support business through the economic recovery to ensure that we can build a stronger Selby district following the deepest recession for many years.

"All the unoccupied units are advertised in various key places to ensure that we can market the area to those looking to relocate or expand.  This is about supporting the small firms which can offer big benefits for the community in terms of jobs and wealth creation."

Details of available industrial unit space can be found here or via www.york-england.com.