June 24, 2025 – The UK government yesterday released its "UK Freeports Programme Report 2025," providing a comprehensive update on the significant progress made by the 12 Freeports established across England, Scotland, and Wales. The report highlights the programme's success in attracting substantial private investment, developing strategic sites, and fostering innovation, underscoring its pivotal role in the government's economic growth agenda.
Published on Monday, June 23, 2025, by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the 37-page report details advancements since the previous update in December 2022, covering the period from January 2023 to June 2025. It includes key milestones, detailed statistics on site development and investment figures, and illustrative case studies of individual projects within the Freeports.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- Growing Network: The report confirms the expansion of the Freeport network from 8 to 12 since the last update. This includes the addition of Inverness and Cromarty Firth (ICF) Green Freeport and Forth Green Freeport in Scotland (announced January 2023), and Celtic Freeport and Anglesey Freeport in Wales (announced March 2023). All 8 English Freeports are now fully operational.
- Significant Private Investment: The programme has already secured a substantial £6.4 billion in private investment on Freeport sites, with a remarkable 89% of this being foreign direct investment, demonstrating international confidence in the UK's Freeport model.
- Site Development & Rehabilitation: Over £1 billion in private investment has been unlocked for site preparation, complemented by £157.93 million disbursed across 39 government seed capital projects, aimed at preparing sites for further investment. The report also notes the successful rehabilitation of 2,671 hectares of land.
- Economic Impact: Freeports are projected to generate over £880 million in retained business rates over 25 years. This figure is expected to increase as more investments are secured, with all generated revenue being reinvested locally to fuel further growth and regeneration.
- Key Investment Sectors: The top three sectors attracting significant Freeport investment are:
- Clean Energy: Drawing in £2.6 billion, highlighting the Freeports' crucial role in the nation's green transition and renewable energy ambitions.
- Manufacturing: A key area for industrial growth and the creation of high-quality jobs.
- Logistics: Leveraging strategic port locations to enhance trade and supply chain efficiencies.
- Tax and Customs Sites Operational: A total of 52 Freeport tax and customs sites have been formally designated in law, enabling businesses to benefit from various tax reliefs (including on business rates and Employer National Insurance Contributions) and simplified customs procedures. All 24 tax sites in English Freeports are now fully designated and active.
- Job Creation & Regeneration Success: The report re-emphasizes the Freeports' core objectives of promoting regeneration and creating new employment opportunities, establishing vibrant hubs for global trade and investment, and fostering innovation. A notable example cited is the £950 million offshore wind manufacturing investment in Teesside Freeport, which is projected to create approximately 2,250 jobs.
- Long-Term Vision: The report firmly positions Freeports, alongside Investment Zones, as pivotal instruments within the government's evolving 'Industrial Strategy Zones.' This reflects their intended role in driving investment into high-growth sectors and supporting the broader 'levelling up' agenda across the United Kingdom.
The government maintains that Freeports are designed as innovative economic accelerators, empowering businesses to invest in essential infrastructure, machinery, and skilled personnel, thereby bringing jobs, investment, and prosperity directly to local communities nationwide.
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