EFT Group plans move to business park

A Merseyside town is set for a ‘major’ economic boost, after plans were revealed for the transformation of a disused and vacant piece of land. Southport Business Park has long been vacant, but a family business from the seaside town, is aiming to deliver ‘incredible plans’ which will create new job opportunities, apprenticeships and economic growth, according to Sefton Council.

With support from the local authority’s Business and Regeneration team, EFT Group Ltd are set to relocate to the disused Southport Business Park, with the council granting a 999-year lease on plots F, G and H. The council said the next stage of the project involves ‘stringent planning processes’, which have already begun.

EFT Group specialises in life safety, security and construction services and has grown significantly in recent years. The company has committed to staying in Southport, where it employs a large local workforce and supports school-based apprenticeship schemes.

The council said Southport Business Park has remained undeveloped for more than a decade, due to ‘challenging ground conditions’ and the absence of government funding. Recently Cllr Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, joined company directors Adam Watts and Stewart Meechan for the official unveiling of the new EFT Global headquarters.

She said: “This move represents yet another major step forward for Southport’s economic future and I must commend our Business, Regeneration and Planning officers for working alongside EFT Group to help them get to this vitally important stage.

“Not only will we retain a thriving local business but we’ll also bring new life to a site that has been underused for far too long.

“EFT Group’s investment will create high-quality jobs and opportunities for residents while demonstrating our commitment to supporting homegrown businesses.

“By encouraging businesses to invest locally, provide apprenticeships and create meaningful employment, we doing everything we can to secure the long term economic recovery and improvement of Southport and Sefton.

“Businesses recognise what an incredible platform this part of the Liverpool City Region can be for their own growth and for us it helps keep amazing talent in our borough, supports our care experienced young people into work and ultimately builds a stronger future for everyone in Sefton.”

Jordan Duggan, co-director of EFT Group, added: “As a local family company, we are proud of our roots in Southport.

“This development reflects our commitment to the area and our belief in its future, with this investment EFT Group is firmly bedding our roots into Southport for the next 50 years, creating a lasting base for our business, our employees and the next generation of workers across Sefton.

“We look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders, the local authority and the community as this exciting project progresses.”

The proposal will now be debated at a future meeting of Sefton Council’s independent Planning Committee.