The UK’s Global Gateway

The Solent Freeport will enable us to capitalise on our strengths in a highly competitive global market post-Brexit and ensure the unique geographic advantage of the region is maximised for UK plc.

A strong track record of international trade through the Solent already evidences our credentials as the Nation’s global gateway.

Reaching far beyond the South Coast of England, it will also benefit those in the Midlands and North that rely on connectivity to international markets through Solent port; and UK plc will receive an additional £3.57 billion GVA uplift.

Over £77.5 billion worth of goods pass through the ports of Southampton, the UK’s number one export port for vehicles, and Portsmouth, including £42.8 billion worth of exports.

Our ports provide UK businesses with the closest direct access to over 70 ports globally. With its unrivalled geographic proximity to the shipping lanes into Europe and unique tides, the Solent is in the strongest possible position to expand the UK’s trade with new markets and be a best in class Freeport.

Strategic national connectivity of the Solent by rail, highway and air provide a geographic advantage stronger than any other UK region seeking to trade.

The Solent Freeport is an investment in our future, providing both instant impact and long-term benefits.

The Solent already contributes £31billion to the UK economy per annum. Freeport status will add an additional £3.57 billion to UK plc through the GVA uplift, including £1.97 billion in direct GVA in the Solent and £1.6 billion in the wider UK supply chain.

It will act as a magnet for an estimated £2 billion of extra investment comprising £1.4 billion from the private sector and £600 million in complementary public sector investment.

While recognising our proud maritime heritage, we don’t live in the past. We have an appetite for innovation and building sustainable, long-term opportunities now and in the future.

The Solent has a track record in translating innovation and new technologies into commercial success. Building on long-standing relationships with our three universities and world-class research assets, the Solent Freeport will support increased R&D funding and innovation in our ports and growth sectors such as Artificial Intelligence.

Building on existing strengths in environmental innovation, the Solent Freeport will support national and local ambitions for net zero by growing capacity for sustainable energy production, improving efficiencies to raise productivity, and investing in environmental mitigation to the impacts of climate change on our communities.

A dedicated Solent Freeport Green Growth Institute (SFGGI) will provide a centre of excellence in green skills and jobs to ensure local communities can benefit from the opportunities created through environmental innovation.