Bosses of the New Anglia local enterprise partnership have brought in a project co-ordinator to drive forward plans to create an enterprise zone for Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

Eunice Edwards, has been seconded from Suffolk County Council on a six month placement to oversee the start-up of the enterprise zone, which is due to be launched next month.

She will be the first point of contact for businesses wanting to learn more about the benefits of operating in the enterprise zone, which is expected to offer a mix of tax breaks and relaxed planning rules to kickstart growth in and around the energy sector.

'This is a really exciting opportunity and I am delighted to be part of such a committed team,' she said. I'm already in contact with interested businesses and working closely with partners involved, including Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Waveney District Council, as well as Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils. In addition, I'm liaising with other Enterprise Zone managers across the country to ensure we replicate some of the best ideas and practices here.'

Meanwhile in a separate move, New Anglia is also keen to hear from businesses in both Norfolk and Suffolk keen to bid for a slice of �12.2m it received from the government's growing places fund.

Schemes which could qualify for investment include transport, utilities, flood defence or property development projects; projects which would unlock development, creating growth in jobs and homes.

Andy Wood, chairman of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership said: 'This provides a great opportunity for Suffolk and Norfolk to kick-start projects which will unlock growth and development. It will be a simple, straightforward process and we welcome proposals from the private, public and third sectors, or a partnership of the three.'

Bids should be submitted by proforma by 5pm on Friday 30th March. Shortlisted schemes will be considered by the New Anglia board and more detailed information requested and considered before a final decision is made.