An MP is calling for local businesses to hire apprentices after new figures show it could boost their bottom line by nearly £3,000.

Ahead of his third annual jobs fair at Southbury Leisure Centre on Friday, Enfield North MP Nick de Bois is reminding companies of the economic benefits of hiring apprentices.

Figures released by the independent economics consultancy Cebr show every time a local company hires an apprentice its bottom line gets an average boost of £2,621.

Last year, 710 people started apprenticeships in Enfield North. This means that new apprentices boosted the constituency by around £1,861,000 in 2012/13.

The job fair, which runs at the Southbury Leisure Centre between 11am and 3pm, will have advisors on hand to help people apply and secure apprenticeships as well as companies who already employ them.

Mr de Bois said: “If they don’t have one already, I urge local businesses in Enfield North to consider employing an apprentice.

“By giving young people a chance, local firms will also be boosting their bottom line. The benefit here of £1.9m makes a real difference to the local economy, and that’s just from apprentices who began last year.

“Apprenticeship numbers have now doubled, with the Government making it a key priority. It’s great news for each local apprentice, great for our businesses and great for growth.”

The new research was commissioned by the Association of Accounting Technicians, which has pioneered apprenticeships in accounting.

Its chief executive Jane Scott Paul, welcomed the news:

“I am delighted that Nick de Bois MP is encouraging more companies to employ an apprentice. Far from being a cost, apprentices bring benefits straight away.

“It’s really important that employers know there are apprenticeships for all shapes and sizes, including those in non-traditional sectors like accounting and law. That’s how apprentices boosted UK firms by £1.8 billion last year.”