Two out of eight English Freeports to be located in Midlands Engine, plus important Towns Fund announcements

Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine said:

I am delighted that the Chancellor’s Budget Statement recognises the huge potential for economic growth represented by Humber Ports and East Midlands Airport by announcing that they will become the locations for two of the eight new Freeports in the UK.

Taken together, both Freeports within the Midlands Engine will be transformational catalysts for widespread changes and a key component of levelling up the Midlands. They will play a crucial role in driving up economic potential, rapidly accelerating existing initiatives, tackling skills and productivity gaps, increasing investment and delivering long term growth in our region.

Most significantly, the Freeports of Humber Ports and East Midlands Airports will further enhance the central role of the Midlands Engine as a global gateway for the UK – building on our position as a proven powerhouse of international trade.

The focus on green growth measures is also welcome, as the Midlands continues to play a central role in driving the new Green Industrial Revolution, and I am delighted too, with the Towns Fund announcements. Success here reflects the considerable work led by partners and recognises the importance of our regions’ towns, their hinterlands, and the critical role they play in levelling up every part of the Midlands Engine.

A full list of the locations chosen to receive support from the Towns Fund is available on the Government website.

For the latest on our region, subscribe to Midlands Matters, the official newsletter of the Midlands Engine.