A Cumbrian business park is celebrating a major hike in employment.

Kingmoor Park, in Carlisle - which is Cumbria's only Enterprise Zone - has reported a 13 per cent rise in employment numbers this year.

The figures, which show an increase in jobs from 2000 to almost 2300, form part of a report which has been provided to Cumbria LEP for the next Enterprise Zone Board meeting on September 13.

In June this year DSD Construction relocated to a purpose-built facility on the site bringing 120 employees. Meanwhile, Story Homes and Zoo Hardware have both recorded an increase of 19 staff, Cubby Construction added seven more employees and Mercedes Benz has added five new staff at its new dealership on the site.

CAD works, which has recently expanded into one of Kingmoor Park’s biggest units, has also reported growth this quarter taking on six new members of staff as it works towards completion of a tailor-made office building.

Neil McIntyre, Kingmoor Park's managing director, said: "It is always really encouraging to see businesses on Kingmoor Park growing.

"This quarter we have welcomed DSD Construction to site who have now settled in to their tailor-made offices bringing with them 120 staff.

"We recognise this is significant but it is also important to recognise other businesses who are continuing to expand and grow year on year.

"Kingmoor Park is ready to help these businesses grow into whatever size unit they require in the future."

The site’s management team are required to report on employment figures to the Enterprise Zone board who meet quarterly and are made up of members of the LEP, private sector and local councils.

The board discuss the site’s progress and measure its success against government set objectives as an Enterprise Zone.

Graham Booth, chair of the Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone Delivery Board, said: “This is excellent news for Kingmoor Park, Carlisle and Cumbria with the Enterprise Zone delivering a significant increase in jobs over the quarter.

"It is really encouraging to see businesses re-locating to the Enterprise Zone as well as a number of existing businesses expanding their workforce."

Established by the coalition Government in 2012, Enterprise Zones are designated areas intended to enhance economic activity.

Businesses within the zones benefit from factors including up to 100 per business rate relief worth up to £55,000 per year and a maximum of £275,000 per business over five years.

They can also claim 100 per cent enhanced capital allowance tax relief up to a maximum of £125m for businesses making large investments in plant and machinery in their first year.