Communities secretary Eric Pickles has praised the growth of Britain’s Enterprise Zones, including Discovery Park.

The business hub in Sandwich has played a key role in the Government’s flagship programme which has now created 15,500 jobs.

Figures released today show that Discovery Park has created more than 1,300 jobs so far, providing a real boost to the local economy and knock-on benefits for the community, including improved infrastructure and new business opportunities.

Mr Pickles said: “Enterprise Zones are now picking up the pace and really starting to deliver for the economy. We’re seeing activity across the country from established sites attracting some of the biggest names in business to derelict sites being brought back to life.

“That’s because our long-term economic plan is giving businesses the confidence to invest. They know that Enterprise Zones work and are making the most of the top-class incentives and world-class infrastructure on offer. And that’s great news for local economies and communities because it’s these kinds of businesses that have the vision to grow, creating thousands more jobs for hard-working people.”

Discovery Park has already attracted more than 100 companies and has an ambition to hit 3,000 jobs by 2017.

Paul Barber, managing director at Discovery Park, said: “Business is absolutely thriving here in Sandwich, and in total our tenants employ more than 2,000 people.

“We are increasingly attracting companies looking for a European base. Genea, from Australia, and Quvium, from Boston USA, are fantastic recent examples in the science and tech sector - both companies could have located anywhere in Europe and chose Sandwich as their base.

“We are also seeing a growing number of enquiries from existing tenants who need more space for expansion or with the intention of future growth. Companies are also attracted to Discovery Park because of the value to their business of a close proximity to like-minded businesses.”

The Government opened the Enterprise Zones in April 2012 as part of a 25-year project to rebalance the economy, offering tax incentives, simplified planning and superfast broadband to companies.