A recurring theme was the importance of integrating the Solent Freeport with the wider regional economy, and the need to avoid it simply creating a series of small, self-contained ‘business bubbles’ which had no wider positive impact. For many participants the key to that was collaboration: those responsible for developing the Solent Freeport needed to work in harmony with local businesses, councils and others. At present, participants felt, most businesses knew too little about the initiative and did not feel part of a genuinely regional discussion on the opportunities.
- We need visionary, inclusive and visible leadership to inspire a collaborative approach to building the Solent Freeport. That is essential if we are to maintain momentum and tackle the inevitable challenges along the way;
- We need a co-ordinated approach to managing implementation. There are many complex challenges to be overcome if we are to succeed, and we cannot allow them to delay progress. All parties should work together in what we term a Regional Implementation Team.
- There must be better communication and full involvement in developing and implementing plans for the Solent Freeport. At present there is a lack of awareness amongst the region’s businesses and the wider community as to what the Solent Freeport is and what it can offer. We need the initiative to be an integral part of our regional conversation; and
- We must articulate a clear, exciting and inclusive vision of what the Solent Freeport offers our region and how it can help us achieve our ambitions. That gives us a strong narrative: a story which will help all across our region, as well as potential investors, understand the scope of those ambitions;
The Southern Policy Centre was invited by Blake Morgan to explore how businesses saw the Solent Freeport, and seek their views on what wider benefits it might offer. This report summarises discussion with a number of local businesses and makes suggestions as to how the Central South might make the most of this undoubted opportunity.
There is widespread enthusiasm for the Solent Freeport amongst the business community, with a belief it can offer much to help tackle regional challenges. Many saw both direct and indirect economic benefits, the chance to improve skills in our working population and, with the chance to retain business rates generated on freeport sites, an opportunity to invest in regional infrastructure.
Drawing on the views expressed by participating business, we believe there are four key messages about how we should move forward together as a region to realise the benefits the Solent Freeport offers the Central South:
The Solent Freeport was one of eight approved by Government in March 2021. Freeports are designed to spark economic regeneration in areas whose economy is under-performing. Ministers have argued they will benefit their hinterland, creating jobs and improving skills.
- We need a co-ordinated approach to managing implementation. There are many complex challenges to be overcome if we are to succeed, and we cannot allow them to delay progress. All parties should work together in what we term a Regional Implementation Team.
- There must be better communication and full involvement in developing and implementing plans for the Solent Freeport. At present there is a lack of awareness amongst the region’s businesses and the wider community as to what the Solent Freeport is and what it can offer. We need the initiative to be an integral part of our regional conversation; and
- We need visionary, inclusive and visible leadership to inspire a collaborative approach to building the Solent Freeport. That is essential if we are to maintain momentum and tackle the inevitable challenges along the way;
- We must articulate a clear, exciting and inclusive vision of what the Solent Freeport offers our region and how it can help us achieve our ambitions. That gives us a strong narrative: a story which will help all across our region, as well as potential investors, understand the scope of those ambitions;
Drawing on the views expressed by participating business, we believe there are four key messages about how we should move forward together as a region to realise the benefits the Solent Freeport offers the Central South:
A recurring theme was the importance of integrating the Solent Freeport with the wider regional economy, and the need to avoid it simply creating a series of small, self-contained ‘business bubbles’ which had no wider positive impact. For many participants the key to that was collaboration: those responsible for developing the Solent Freeport needed to work in harmony with local businesses, councils and others. At present, participants felt, most businesses knew too little about the initiative and did not feel part of a genuinely regional discussion on the opportunities.
The Southern Policy Centre was invited by Blake Morgan to explore how businesses saw the Solent Freeport, and seek their views on what wider benefits it might offer. This report summarises discussion with a number of local businesses and makes suggestions as to how the Central South might make the most of this undoubted opportunity.
There is widespread enthusiasm for the Solent Freeport amongst the business community, with a belief it can offer much to help tackle regional challenges. Many saw both direct and indirect economic benefits, the chance to improve skills in our working population and, with the chance to retain business rates generated on freeport sites, an opportunity to invest in regional infrastructure.
The Solent Freeport was one of eight approved by Government in March 2021. Freeports are designed to spark economic regeneration in areas whose economy is under-performing. Ministers have argued they will benefit their hinterland, creating jobs and improving skills.
