Business sectors
Knowsley and Merseyside have particular strengths in a number of
industrial, commercial and service sectors. The region is
particularly strong in areas such as the automotive sector and call
centres, whilst emerging sectors such as Information and
Communication Technology are key to the future prosperity of the
region as a whole.
Environment
The environment is identified as a growth sector in the borough.
There are opportunities for environmental businesses to develop and
grow in the borough to meet the increasing demand to reduce waste
and reduce energy usage.
Support in developing the sector in Knowsley is available
through The Environment Network. See our Networks page for more details.
Creative Industries
The creative industries are recognised as a growth sector on
Merseyside and Knowsley has a rich and diverse creative and
cultural sector.
Creative Space was set up in 2005 to respond to the needs of
this growing business community.
Creative Space is Knowsley’s specialist
resource centre for the creative and digital media sector in
Knowsley. Based at the Business Resource Centre in Kirkby,
the centre is funded and managed by Knowsley Council and offers
access to a range of support for new and existing creative
enterprises, including:
- Tailored support to help sustain and grow
your business
- Start up advice and funding through the Fresh
Start gateway
- Training and networking opportunities
- Subsidised studio space
The centre can accommodate a range of creative
businesses. Studio range in size from shared space to larger self
contained units.
All rents are fully inclusive of business
rates, service charge, and utility bills. The centre has 24/7
access and is monitored by CCTV. Tenancy licences are offered on
'easy in easy out' terms and there are no restrictions on length of
stay.
Tourism
Knowsley is home to award winning, spectacular attractions and
offers visitors everything from wildflowers to wildebeests.
It is perfect for a day out – just 8 miles outside of Liverpool
city centre, Knowsley is easily reached by train from Liverpool
Lime Street or Liverpool Central, or by car along the M57 or M62.
Click here to see some of the
fantastic places you can visit on days out in Knowsley. Acorn
Farm
Knowsley is a vibrant and unique borough offering exciting
places for the whole family to visit. Choose from a day out
with the big game animals at the famous Knowsley Safari
Park. For those of you looking for animals of a tamer
nature why not visit the award winning Acorn Farm, where you’ll find a
wide variety of farm animals to stroke and feed.
If peace and tranquillity are your preference, then Knowsley’s parks and
open spaces are a must. Known as the 'wildflower
borough', The National Wildflower Centre is at
the heart of Knowsley and provides a focus to reconnect people and
nature
For the more adventurous visitor to Knowsley there is
Aerial Extreme, considered to
be one of the world's most awesome adventure pope courses.
For those who would rather keep closer to the ground, Knowsley
offers a thrilling off road driving experience at Land Rover
Experience.
Our year-long programme of events and festivals include the
Knowsley Flower Show in the grounds of Court Hey Park, and the
Liverpool-Knowsley International Youth Soccer Tournament.
For the business traveller our hotels
and guest accommodation provide premier standard accommodation
and conferencing facilities.
Whether you choose to visit for the day, or stay a little longer
you can be sure of a warm welcome.
Find out more about Knowsley's top attractions or browse the
Visit Knowsley site.
Social Enterprise
Social enterprise is identified as a key growth sector in the
borough, due to its added value in job creation, upskilling local
residents and providing much needed local services.
Social enterprise is a business model that reinvests its profits
for a social purpose.
Knowsley Council supports social enterprises in a number of ways
including start up advice and business advice for those social
enterprises that have been established longer.
There is also a free funding search facility available through
the Merseyside Funding Information
Portal.
For a current list of local social enterprises please follow
this link.
For up to date information on the development of a Social
Enterprise Unit for Knowsley open here.