Solent aims high with launch of Freeport and ambitious goals

Published by

Harry Whittle

Dee Caffari MBE will be guest speaker at the Solent Summit, the launch of the Solent Freeport and the Solent LEP's long term economic strategy.

Establishing a freeport in the Solent is a key component of the Solent 2050 long-term economic strategy. Forecasts predict it will unlock billions of pounds' worth of investment, create tens of thousands of new jobs and play a critical role in achieving national levelling up ambitions.

Dee is a renown sailor and has twice sailed solo around the world, will speak at the event on Wednesday 8 June.

"Like many coastal communities, the Solent faces challenges in terms of productivity and our Solent 2050 strategy outlines how we will work with partners to level up our region, create jobs, drive innovation and ensure a prosperous economy where communities thrive."

Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport, said: “The Solent Freeport is a once-in-a-generation opportunity which will benefit not only our region but the whole of the UK. The Solent’s location makes it the UK’s most important gateway to European and global markets; and establishing a freeport here 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."

At the event, investors and businesses will be able to find out more about the opportunities available through the freeport and meet the partners involved. More locally, people from across the Solent will get the chance to understand the benefits it will bring to the region through innovation, job creation and investment opportunities.

The Solent Summit will also include a seminar programme for business leaders which supports the Solent 2050 strategy. Guests will be able to find out more about funding opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, how the region's universities are the catalysts for unlocking high skilled jobs, the environmental and economic impact of the unique natural capital of the region; and how to connect the skills and talents of those in our communities to the benefits of economic prosperity.

You can register to attend the Solent Summit via: https://eventpilot.evolutive.co.uk/eventDetails.aspx?siteId=474&eventNo=632688.

A live stream will be available for those wishing to attend the event online. It can be viewed at the following link on 8 June at 10:00am: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKi6AIiUtIY

Harry Whittle