The development at Manchester Airport, for example, is expected to create between 7,000 and 13,000 jobs.
The remaining ten zones will be chosen following pitches from enterprise partners.
The Government has chosen the enterprise zones as places 'showing signs of development', rather than deprived areas.
Commenting on today's announcement, David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "The announcement of 21 low-tax, low-regulation areas across England in the form of enterprise zones will boost our regional economies. The role of Local Enterprise Partnerships in designating and running enterprise zones will ensure local business leaders are at the heart of the new policy. Beyond upfront incentives, the reinvestment of business rates locally is critical to boosting regional growth."
Jack Stopforth, chief executive of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, added: "Liverpool aims to use this opportunity to stimulate growth across all sectors in an imaginative and cohesive way, spanning both sides of the river, combining Liverpool and Wirral Waters' plans into one ambitious enterprise zone.
"This is an ambitious measure to secure long-term investment, rather than a simple regeneration project. It means companies setting up within the development area will be exempt from £275,000 of business rates over five years. It will also bring in a long-term tax boost for both Liverpool and Wirral councils. This enterprise zone will drive forward more private sector investment to this £40bn scheme and ensure its success."
