Enterprise, a large support services firm, has said it hopes to open offices at Estuary Business Park, near Liverpool John Lennon Airport, by 2011.

The company says the move will create 1,500 new jobs in finance, IT, planning and administration. It is also intends to offer training for those who want to work in the utilities sector, reports the Liverpool Daily Post.

Enterprise plans to submit a planning application to the city council, probably before the end of the year.

Company chairman Owen McLaughlin told the paper: "We are looking forward to developing the office and training facilities in Liverpool, which we believe is one of the foremost cities in the country."

The council has welcomed the proposal, particularly the prospect of skills training for local workers.

Enterprise, an employer of more than 10,000 people in the UK, provides infrastructure maintenance services to the utilities industry, the private sector and other large organisations.