THE region’s mayor will pay an official visit to Dudley borough tomorrow for the launch of a new business scheme which is set to bring in millions of pounds of investment to the local economy.

Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, will be the key note speaker at the official launch of DY5, Dudley’s Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone, on Thursday (June 22).

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, and Tom Westley, board member and Black Country Enterprise Zone lead at the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, will also address the audience at the event at Brierley Hill Waterfront’s Copthorne Hotel.

The launch will bring together people from local organisations, businesses, developers, investors and education establishments, to learn about the benefits of the zone, such as business rate relief for five years, improved transport links when the new Metro line opens in 2023 and the wide range of accommodation available for office, industrial and technological use.

Cllr Harley said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to the DY5 launch. This is a really exciting time for the borough and the region as a whole.

“The zone represents a great opportunity for us to work with investors and companies, both locally and further afield.

“It will significantly strengthen our position in the national and global economy and, with its central location and improved transport links, it will establish Dudley borough as a fantastic place to do business.”

DY5 will help to rejuvenate the Waterfront office complex at Merry Hill and create additional office, technology and industrial space in the surrounding areas of Brierley Hill, Harts Hill and Pensnett.

It is expected to deliver up to 7,000 new jobs and uplift the economy by £589million each year.

Mr Street said: “I am familiar with the potential of this part of Brierley Hill and also recognise the opportunities that enterprise zone status offer having seen it in full effect elsewhere in the region.

“The local authority and Local Enterprise Partnership have done an exceptional job in developing this initiative and am looking forward to speaking at the launch.”

DY5 joins a portfolio of sites across the region which make up the Black Country Enterprise Zone. To date the zone, which is spread over 120 hectares, has created 4,000 new jobs in advanced manufacturing including aerospace, automotive and engineering.