Freeports

Freeports are special economic zones created by the UK Government to boost investment, innovation, and job creation in specific regions. There are 12 in the UK and they are built around a port (sea, air, or rail) and include:

• Customs sites – where goods can be imported, processed, and re‑exported with simplified customs rules.

• Tax sites – designated areas offering tax incentives to encourage new development and business investment.

• An outer boundary – the wider local area expected to benefit from jobs, supply‑chain activity, and regeneration.

Freeports are run by local partnerships of councils, businesses, and other stakeholders, with boards required to publish key documents for transparency.

The UK currently has 12 Freeports across England, Scotland, and Wales:

England

• East Midlands Freeport (around East Midlands Airport)

• Freeport East (Felixstowe & Harwich)

• Humber Freeport (Hull, Goole, Immingham)

• Liverpool City Region Freeport

• Plymouth and South Devon Freeport

• Solent Freeport (Southampton, Portsmouth)

• Teesside Freeport

• Thames Freeport (Tilbury, London Gateway, Ford Dagenham)

Wales

• Anglesey Freeport

• Celtic Freeport (Milford Haven & Port Talbot)

Scotland (Green Freeports)

• Forth Green Freeport

• Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport

How Freeports Work

Freeports operate through three main mechanisms:

1. Tax Incentives (on designated “tax sites”)

Businesses investing or developing on Freeport tax sites may access:

• Relief from Stamp Duty Land Tax

• Enhanced capital allowances

• Reduced business rates

• Employer National Insurance relief for new hires

• Reliefs extended for new developments occupied by 2031 (England)

These incentives are designed to attract new investment and accelerate development on under‑used land.

2. Customs Benefits (on “customs sites”)

Businesses operating in customs zones can:

• Import goods tariff‑free

• Store, process, or assemble goods before paying duties

• Re‑export goods without paying UK tariffs

• Use simplified customs procedures

This is especially valuable for manufacturers, logistics firms, and import/export businesses.

3. Public Investment & Local Regeneration

Freeports receive government funding for:

• Infrastructure (roads, utilities, digital connectivity)

• Skills and training programmes

• Innovation hubs

• Business support services

The aim is to create clusters of high‑value industries such as renewables, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies.

How Local Small & Micro Businesses Can Work With Freeports

Even if a business is not located inside a tax or customs site, there are multiple ways to benefit.

1. Become a Supplier to Freeport‑Based Businesses

Freeports attract large investors in:

• Construction

• Engineering

• Logistics

• Manufacturing

• Green energy

• Digital and tech

These firms need local suppliers for:

• Trades (electrical, plumbing, building)

• Facilities management

• Catering and hospitality

• Recruitment and staffing

• Professional services (legal, HR, finance)

• Marketing, design, and digital services

• Transport and storage

Freeport governing bodies often run supplier directories and procurement portals.

2. Join Local Skills, Training, and Innovation Programmes

Freeports partner with:

• Local colleges

• Universities

• Training providers

• Innovation centres

Small businesses can access:

• Upskilling programmes

• Apprenticeship pipelines

• Innovation support

• R&D collaboration opportunities

These programmes are designed to benefit the wider local economy, not just Freeport tenants.

3. Access Business Support & Growth Funding

Freeports often provide:

• Business‑growth grants

• Export support

• Innovation vouchers

• Investment‑readiness programmes

• Networking and cluster‑building events

These are open to businesses within the outer boundary, not just those on tax sites.

4. Export More Easily

If a small business exports or wants to start, Freeports offer:

• Trade facilitation

• Export documentation support

• Access to customs expertise

• Connections to global logistics networks

This is especially useful for micro manufacturers, food & drink producers, and e‑commerce exporters.

5. Relocate or Expand into a Freeport Tax Site

For businesses planning to grow, relocating into a Freeport tax site can unlock:

• Reduced business rates

• Capital allowances

• Lower employer NI

• Stamp Duty relief

This is most relevant for:

• Manufacturers

• Warehousing and logistics firms

• Clean‑tech and engineering businesses

• High‑growth businesses needing new premises

6. Participate in Community & Regeneration Projects

Freeports invest in:

• Local infrastructure

• Community skills programmes

• Employment initiatives

Small businesses can partner on:

• Training delivery

• Community outreach

• Local hiring

• Social‑value projects

This strengthens local networks and visibility.

What This Means for Small Businesses in Practice

You don’t need to be inside the Freeport to benefit.

Most opportunities sit in the wider supply chain and skills ecosystem.

Freeports create demand for local suppliers.

Construction, logistics, professional services, and trades see early opportunities.

Innovation and skills programmes are open to local businesses.

These can help micro businesses modernise, digitise, and grow.

Export‑ready businesses gain new routes to global markets.

Growing firms can access tax incentives by relocating or expanding.

Freeports: What Small & Micro Businesses Need to Know

Freeports are special economic zones created by the UK Government to boost local growth, investment, and jobs. They combine tax incentives, customs benefits, and public investment to attract new businesses and strengthen local supply chains. You don’t need to be inside a Freeport to benefit. Most opportunities sit in the wider local area. Freeports are not just for big companies. They create real opportunities for local small and micro businesses through supply chains, skills programmes, innovation support, and export facilitation. Whether you’re a tradesperson, retailer, manufacturer, creative agency, or service provider, Freeports can open new doors. Yet how to open the doors isn’t always obvious.

 1. Engage directly with the Freeport governing body

Every Freeport has a governing board made up of local authorities, anchor employers, and private‑sector partners. These bodies publish:

• contact details

• board papers and minutes

• procurement opportunities

• business engagement events

This is often the most direct route for small businesses to get onto radar.

2. Join supply chains for major Freeport projects

Freeports attract large-scale investment in:

• offshore wind

• advanced manufacturing

• logistics

• hydrogen and green energy

• maritime and port services

These anchor projects need local suppliers for construction, maintenance, digital services, training, catering, transport, and professional services. Small businesses can:

• register on supplier portals

• attend Freeport supplier days

• connect with Tier 1 contractors delivering infrastructure

3. Explore tax-site opportunities (if relocating or expanding)

Each Freeport has up to three designated tax sites where eligible businesses can access incentives such as:

• enhanced capital allowances

• business rates relief

• employer NI relief for new employees

This is most relevant for small businesses planning to expand, invest in equipment, or open new premises.

4. Use customs-site benefits (for import/export SMEs)

A Freeport customs site allows authorised businesses to:

• import goods with simplified customs processes

• defer or avoid tariffs when re-exporting

• store or process goods in a secure zone

This is particularly valuable for micro manufacturers, e‑commerce importers, and firms assembling goods for export.

5. Tap into innovation, skills, and R&D programmes

Freeports work with universities, colleges, and local partners to build:

• innovation hubs

• testbeds

• apprenticeships

• sector‑specific training

Small businesses can access funded pilots, research partnerships, and workforce development support.

6. Work with local authorities and growth hubs

Because Freeports are delivered through local partnerships, councils and growth hubs act as gateways. They can help SMEs:

• understand incentives

• access grants

• join business networks

• navigate procurement frameworks

This is especially useful for micro businesses unfamiliar with large‑scale economic programmes.

7. Position your business for Freeport-aligned sectors

Each Freeport has priority sectors. Small businesses gain traction by aligning with:

• green energy

• maritime and logistics

• digital and automation

• advanced manufacturing

• professional services supporting these sectors

Even micro businesses (e.g., training providers, trades, creative services, IT support, recruitment, catering) can position themselves as part of the ecosystem.

8. Build visibility through regional business networks

Small businesses can connect via:

• Chambers of Commerce

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

• Local Enterprise Partnerships (where still active)

• Members of the National Enterprise Network

• Sector clusters (e.g., offshore wind alliances, manufacturing networks)

These groups often have formal partnerships with Freeports and can open doors.

What Small businesses don’t need to do

• You don’t need to relocate into the Freeport to benefit.

• You don’t need to be a manufacturer—services are in demand.

• You don’t need to be large; micro businesses are explicitly included in Freeport community and supply‑chain strategies.

Freeports are special economic zones created by the UK Government to boost investment, innovation, and job creation in specific regions. There are 12 in the UK and they are built around a port (sea, air, or rail) and include:

• Customs sites – where goods can be imported, processed, and re‑exported with simplified customs rules.

• Tax sites – designated areas offering tax incentives to encourage new development and business investment.

• An outer boundary – the wider local area expected to benefit from jobs, supply‑chain activity, and regeneration.

Freeports are run by local partnerships of councils, businesses, and other stakeholders, with boards required to publish key documents for transparency.

The UK currently has 12 Freeports across England, Scotland, and Wales:

England

• East Midlands Freeport (around East Midlands Airport)

• Freeport East (Felixstowe & Harwich)

• Humber Freeport (Hull, Goole, Immingham)

• Liverpool City Region Freeport

• Plymouth and South Devon Freeport

• Solent Freeport (Southampton, Portsmouth)

• Teesside Freeport

• Thames Freeport (Tilbury, London Gateway, Ford Dagenham)

Wales

• Anglesey Freeport

• Celtic Freeport (Milford Haven & Port Talbot)

Scotland (Green Freeports)

• Forth Green Freeport

• Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport

How Freeports Work

Freeports operate through three main mechanisms:

1. Tax Incentives (on designated “tax sites”)

Businesses investing or developing on Freeport tax sites may access:

• Relief from Stamp Duty Land Tax

• Enhanced capital allowances

• Reduced business rates

• Employer National Insurance relief for new hires

• Reliefs extended for new developments occupied by 2031 (England)

These incentives are designed to attract new investment and accelerate development on under‑used land.

2. Customs Benefits (on “customs sites”)

Businesses operating in customs zones can:

• Import goods tariff‑free

• Store, process, or assemble goods before paying duties

• Re‑export goods without paying UK tariffs

• Use simplified customs procedures

This is especially valuable for manufacturers, logistics firms, and import/export businesses.

3. Public Investment & Local Regeneration

Freeports receive government funding for:

• Infrastructure (roads, utilities, digital connectivity)

• Skills and training programmes

• Innovation hubs

• Business support services

The aim is to create clusters of high‑value industries such as renewables, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies.

How Local Small & Micro Businesses Can Work With Freeports

Even if a business is not located inside a tax or customs site, there are multiple ways to benefit.

1. Become a Supplier to Freeport‑Based Businesses

Freeports attract large investors in:

• Construction

• Engineering

• Logistics

• Manufacturing

• Green energy

• Digital and tech

These firms need local suppliers for:

• Trades (electrical, plumbing, building)

• Facilities management

• Catering and hospitality

• Recruitment and staffing

• Professional services (legal, HR, finance)

• Marketing, design, and digital services

• Transport and storage

Freeport governing bodies often run supplier directories and procurement portals.

2. Join Local Skills, Training, and Innovation Programmes

Freeports partner with:

• Local colleges

• Universities

• Training providers

• Innovation centres

Small businesses can access:

• Upskilling programmes

• Apprenticeship pipelines

• Innovation support

• R&D collaboration opportunities

These programmes are designed to benefit the wider local economy, not just Freeport tenants.

3. Access Business Support & Growth Funding

Freeports often provide:

• Business‑growth grants

• Export support

• Innovation vouchers

• Investment‑readiness programmes

• Networking and cluster‑building events

These are open to businesses within the outer boundary, not just those on tax sites.

4. Export More Easily

If a small business exports or wants to start, Freeports offer:

• Trade facilitation

• Export documentation support

• Access to customs expertise

• Connections to global logistics networks

This is especially useful for micro manufacturers, food & drink producers, and e‑commerce exporters.

5. Relocate or Expand into a Freeport Tax Site

For businesses planning to grow, relocating into a Freeport tax site can unlock:

• Reduced business rates

• Capital allowances

• Lower employer NI

• Stamp Duty relief

This is most relevant for:

• Manufacturers

• Warehousing and logistics firms

• Clean‑tech and engineering businesses

• High‑growth businesses needing new premises

6. Participate in Community & Regeneration Projects

Freeports invest in:

• Local infrastructure

• Community skills programmes

• Employment initiatives

Small businesses can partner on:

• Training delivery

• Community outreach

• Local hiring

• Social‑value projects

This strengthens local networks and visibility.

What This Means for Small Businesses in Practice

You don’t need to be inside the Freeport to benefit.

Most opportunities sit in the wider supply chain and skills ecosystem.

Freeports create demand for local suppliers.

Construction, logistics, professional services, and trades see early opportunities.

Innovation and skills programmes are open to local businesses.

These can help micro businesses modernise, digitise, and grow.

Export‑ready businesses gain new routes to global markets.

Growing firms can access tax incentives by relocating or expanding.

Freeports: What Small & Micro Businesses Need to Know

Freeports are special economic zones created by the UK Government to boost local growth, investment, and jobs. They combine tax incentives, customs benefits, and public investment to attract new businesses and strengthen local supply chains. You don’t need to be inside a Freeport to benefit. Most opportunities sit in the wider local area. Freeports are not just for big companies. They create real opportunities for local small and micro businesses through supply chains, skills programmes, innovation support, and export facilitation. Whether you’re a tradesperson, retailer, manufacturer, creative agency, or service provider, Freeports can open new doors. Yet how to open the doors isn’t always obvious.

 1. Engage directly with the Freeport governing body

Every Freeport has a governing board made up of local authorities, anchor employers, and private‑sector partners. These bodies publish:

• contact details

• board papers and minutes

• procurement opportunities

• business engagement events

This is often the most direct route for small businesses to get onto radar.

2. Join supply chains for major Freeport projects

Freeports attract large-scale investment in:

• offshore wind

• advanced manufacturing

• logistics

• hydrogen and green energy

• maritime and port services

These anchor projects need local suppliers for construction, maintenance, digital services, training, catering, transport, and professional services. Small businesses can:

• register on supplier portals

• attend Freeport supplier days

• connect with Tier 1 contractors delivering infrastructure

3. Explore tax-site opportunities (if relocating or expanding)

Each Freeport has up to three designated tax sites where eligible businesses can access incentives such as:

• enhanced capital allowances

• business rates relief

• employer NI relief for new employees

This is most relevant for small businesses planning to expand, invest in equipment, or open new premises.

4. Use customs-site benefits (for import/export SMEs)

A Freeport customs site allows authorised businesses to:

• import goods with simplified customs processes

• defer or avoid tariffs when re-exporting

• store or process goods in a secure zone

This is particularly valuable for micro manufacturers, e‑commerce importers, and firms assembling goods for export.

5. Tap into innovation, skills, and R&D programmes

Freeports work with universities, colleges, and local partners to build:

• innovation hubs

• testbeds

• apprenticeships

• sector‑specific training

Small businesses can access funded pilots, research partnerships, and workforce development support.

6. Work with local authorities and growth hubs

Because Freeports are delivered through local partnerships, councils and growth hubs act as gateways. They can help SMEs:

• understand incentives

• access grants

• join business networks

• navigate procurement frameworks

This is especially useful for micro businesses unfamiliar with large‑scale economic programmes.

7. Position your business for Freeport-aligned sectors

Each Freeport has priority sectors. Small businesses gain traction by aligning with:

• green energy

• maritime and logistics

• digital and automation

• advanced manufacturing

• professional services supporting these sectors

Even micro businesses (e.g., training providers, trades, creative services, IT support, recruitment, catering) can position themselves as part of the ecosystem.

8. Build visibility through regional business networks

Small businesses can connect via:

• Chambers of Commerce

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

• Local Enterprise Partnerships (where still active)

• Members of the National Enterprise Network

• Sector clusters (e.g., offshore wind alliances, manufacturing networks)

These groups often have formal partnerships with Freeports and can open doors.

What Small businesses don’t need to do

• You don’t need to relocate into the Freeport to benefit.

• You don’t need to be a manufacturer—services are in demand.

• You don’t need to be large; micro businesses are explicitly included in Freeport community and supply‑chain strategies.