125 businesses based in Doncaster are taking part in a major new research project for the Centre for Cities. The City Markets project will examine why businesses locate and invest in deprived urban areas. Using the information from Doncaster's businesses it will assess the impact of government policies on enterprise, transport, skills and planning.

125 business surveys are currently underway in Doncaster's 13 Enterprise Areas, including Conisbrough, Thorne, and Stainforth. Similar surveys are being carried in Derby and Sunderland. Preliminary findings will be out in September, with the final report published by May 2006. It will aim to influence the future shape of the government's Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) – which will fund £300 million of economic development in deprived areas, over 2006-09.

Dermot Finch, Director, Centre for Cities, said:

“Our City Markets project is talking directly to Doncaster's businesses. We want them to tell us about their priorities and concerns. We will use the findings to recommend changes in Government policy on enterprise, transport, skills and planning and to help Doncaster and other cities build on their success.”

Martin Winter, Mayor of Doncaster, said:

“Business investment in Doncaster is flourishing and we are delighted to be working with Dermot and his team on the City Markets project. The work of the Centre for Cities will provide an important view on the dynamics of economic growth and change in the UK's cities and urban areas.”

The Centre for Cities is working closely with Doncaster MBC, Doncaster Development Direction, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Doncaster Strategic Partnership, Yorkshire Forward and Business Link South Yorkshire.

Doncaster is transforming its economy, under the leadership of elected Mayor Martin Winter. Like many other Northern towns, Doncaster suffered badly from the effects of de-industrialisation. But the town is now looking to the future, with several exciting new developments:

• the expansion of Doncaster Robin Hood Airport to an international airport;
• Doncaster Waterfront development, which should create around 4,000 new jobs; and
• 3D – Doncaster Development Direction – is driving forward the town's revival.

Notes to Editors:

City Markets is looking at the changing business profile in deprived areas of small cities and large towns, and why certain businesses choose to locate there. It is also examining the Government's record of promoting enterprise in deprived areas – looking in particular at the Phoenix Fund, Business Link, Enterprise Areas, CDFIs (Community Development Finance Institutions) and CITR (Community Investment Tax Relief).

Enterprise Areas are the 1,997 most deprived wards in the UK. In England, 73 per cent of Enterprise Areas lie within the 88 local authorities which receive support from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

The City Markets business survey is asking questions such as:

• What is the biggest advantage and disadvantage of your local area?
• What is the impact of crime, transport and planning on your business?
• How effective is business support in your area?
• How difficult is it for you to comply with tax obligations?
• How effective are Enterprise Areas and their associated measures?

For details of the businesses surveyed, please contact Emma Sherlock.

The Centre for Cities is an independent urban policy research unit, based at the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr). Launched in March 2005, it is taking a fresh look at how UK cities function. It is funded by Lord Sainsbury of Turville.