Solent Freeport
Situated on the South coast of England, the Solent Freeport offers a strategic advantage for businesses looking to benefit from its proximity to major transportation hubs.
With access to the Port of Southampton, one of the UK’s busiest ports, and Portsmouth International Port as well as Southampton Airport, the Freeport’s location provides excellent connectivity for trade and investment.
Apprenticeship Incentives Programme
Solent Freeport and the Solent Growth Partnership have launched a new Apprenticeship Incentive Programme to help small and medium-sized businesses recruit apprentices for the first time.
Business Growth Skills Grant
The Solent Freeport Business Growth Skills Grant is designed to help ambitious small businesses overcome skills barriers and seize new growth opportunities. Grants of £500 to £5,000 are available.
Couch to AI Workshops- Coming soon ...
Advanced manufacturing businesses across the Solent are being offered the opportunity to build their practical artificial intelligence skills through two dedicated workshops supported by Solent Freeport.
Why Solent Freeport
The Solent Freeport is a major opportunity for the UK as it seeks to strengthen its trading position and develop new trading relationships. The Solent’s location makes it the UK’s most important gateway to European and global markets.
It will accelerate the creation of high-quality employment space, with investment specifically targeted at state-of-the-art growth sectors and ground-breaking approaches to decarbonisation and green innovation.
15,000 Jobs
£1bn GVA Uplift
Innovation Revolution
Business Growth
Whether you are a small start-up or an established enterprise, our website is here to provide you with the resources and information you need to thrive and succeed in this dynamic and thriving economic hub. Explore these pages to learn more about the benefits of operating within the Solent Freeport and discover how you can access the support you need to achieve your business growth goals.
Latest news
November 6, 2026
Four Solent maritime businesses return from SMM Hamburg with at least 16 commercial leads
A £4,000 investment from Solent Freeport has helped four innovative maritime businesses from the region…
October 15, 2026
Solent Freeport launches new Growth Skills Grant to help local businesses invest in their workforce
Small businesses across the Solent can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to develop…
October 7, 2026
Solent Freeport brings ‘Couch to AI’ training to advanced manufacturing businesses across the Solent
Advanced manufacturing businesses across the Solent are being offered the opportunity to build their practical…
September 29, 2026
Solent Freeport partners with Venturefest South to put five regional innovators in front of investors at flagship Festival
Five fully funded, exclusive Innovator spaces reserved for businesses working across space, maritime and defence,…
