July 2023
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This conference focused on latest developments, priorities and next steps for the development and implementation of Freeports in the UK in light of developments in Wales, Scotland and England.
Key stakeholders and policymakers examined key issues for delivery, including:
- planning frameworks, infrastructure needs and securing investment
- opportunities and challenges around commercialisation
- priorities for building a workforce and supply chain
- assessing the role of Freeports in reaching net zero ambitions
This year, with the UK and Scottish Governments announcing two locations for Green Freeports in Scotland and the first raft of Freeports in England receiving final government approval, it was a timely opportunity to consider the policy and practical details for delivering on ambitions.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Dehenna Davison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; John Fogarty, Executive Director for Corporate Services, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; and Alisdair McIntosh, Programme Director, Green Freeports, Scottish Government.
Sessions in the agenda included discussion on:
- the Freeport ambition: latest developments, prospects and priorities for achieving the policy aims for rollout of Freeports across the UK
- implementation: addressing key barriers to delivery - planning and construction - expanding operations - job creation and regeneration - local community priorities - contribution to levelling up
- Greenports: latest developments and next steps - growth plans - research, development and innovation priorities - contribution to net zero
- commercial and operational priorities: tax and customs reliefs - import and export procedures - attracting trade - engaging domestic and international businesses - mitigating risk of illegal activity
- international positioning: driving forward UK Freeports in global trade and markets
- policy: progress, priorities and next steps for the UK Freeport Programme
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Defra; DBT; DESNZ; DLUHC; DfT; FCDO; GLSS; HMRC; Home Office; IPO; MCA; MMO; UKSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from The House of Commons.
