EFT Group Ltd has submitted a planning application for a major redevelopment at Southport Business Park, paving the way for a new headquarters and promising fresh employment and apprenticeship opportunities, with support from Sefton Council.

Backed by the council's Business and Regeneration team, the Southport family firm plans to relocate to long-vacant plots F, G and H off Wight Moss Way, after the authority agreed a 999-year lease.

The move begins the formal planning phase for the scheme, which had previously attracted positive feedback at pre-application stage.

EFT Group specialises in life safety, security and construction services. The business has expanded in recent years while remaining in Southport, where it employs a substantial local workforce and supports school-based apprenticeship schemes.

The site earmarked for the company's new headquarters has sat undeveloped for more than a decade due to difficult ground conditions and the lack of government funding.

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Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, joined company directors Adam Watts and Stewart Meechan at the recent unveiling of the new EFT Global headquarters. Cllr Atkinson 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, said: "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 application will be considered at a forthcoming meeting of Sefton Council's independent Planning Committee, which will weigh all relevant factors before reaching a decision.