Most notably, freeports have the potential to re-shore key sectors such as high value manufacturing capability back to the UK. For geopolitical reasons such as the war in Ukraine and major disruption to global supply chains, this is more important than ever.

We want global companies to choose the UK as their European headquarters and freeports’ package of measures, comprising tax reliefs, customs advantages, business rates retention, planning support, and trade and investment support, offer a huge incentive.

These generous tax advantages, including no business rates to pay for the first 5 years of tenancy, will enable companies to invest more upfront into their real estate and manufacturing capability, such as high-quality 3D printers or specialist life sciences laboratories.

Fawley Waterside is proud to be a key part of the business case for the Solent Freeport and its success in being selected as one of the first freeports. Our £2.3bn purpose-built ‘smart town’ embodies the regeneration opportunities arising from freeports.

Locating at Fawley Waterside’s 1.5m sq ft of science and technology campus will enable companies to take full advantage of the tax status, world-class digital connectivity and access to the sea.

Read the full press release at the link below