In this exclusive conversation, UKREiiF engages with Victoria Quinn, the Head of Communications for the Freeports team in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). As Freeports become a cornerstone of the UK’s economic strategy, Victoria offers a comprehensive view of their impact, potential, and the journey ahead.

UKREiiF: Welcome, Victoria. To begin, could you elaborate on the projects you’ve been involved with, especially focusing on their economic impact on local communities?

Victoria Quinn (DLUHC): Certainly. We’re at a really exciting point in the journey with Freeports, with 12 now across the UK, including two in Wales and two Green Freeports in Scotland. At their heart, Freeports are about unlocking private investment and in turn bringing regeneration and opportunity for each region. And we’re already starting to see some of that investment, for instance, in Teesside Freeport SeAH wind are investing £400 million to build an offshore wind manufacturing facility, which is projected to create around 1,500 jobs. Freeport status in Humber has enabled them to secure a £195 million investment to establish Europe’s first rare earth processing hub at Saltend, which is expected to represent 5% of the world market by 2025.  Furthermore, Freeports are making strides in community engagement, ensuring that the benefits permeate beyond just economic gains. By partnering with local educational institutions, we aim to bridge the skills gap and offer people in the area training and job opportunities that align with future industries.

UKREiiF: That’s commendable. Can you delve deeper into the specific on-ground initiatives that are being rolled out?

Victoria: Absolutely. East Midlands Freeport, for example, is using part of its £25 million of seed capital funding to develop plans for a Hydrogen Skills Academy. Solent Freeport will be using part of its seed capital funding to deliver the Solent Maritime Innovation Hub to provide collaborative space for industry, academia, and research organisations. Each Freeport is unique, driven by local leadership and each has its own vision for how it will achieve transformative change for the area.

UKREiiF: Have you drawn any inspiration or insights from other industries, or perhaps from international models?

Victoria: We had a Freeports model in the UK previously, from which we’ve drawn valuable lessons. Our current approach, however, is more comprehensive, offering a wider range of support that extends beyond financial incentives. This includes support with trade and investment, regulatory guidance, innovation, and even assistance with planning. We’ve also observed free zones from other countries and attended international conferences to understand global practices. Still, our current Freeports model stands out. It’s tailored to support our journey to net zero and is geared towards fostering new industries, especially in clean energy.

UKREiiF: Since the major Freeports announcement, how has the journey been for you and your team?

Victoria: It’s been quite the experience. Freeports are set to pave the way in several emerging sectors, all while uplifting regions that have been historically left behind. The blend of national and local growth objectives makes it a dynamic and fulfilling area to work in.

UKREiiF: Looking to the future, where do you envision the Freeport sector in, say, five years?

Victoria: Freeports are a long-term commitment aimed at achieving lasting change in these regions, with the immediate focus on drawing in investments to catalyse job creation and regional regeneration. In five years, I anticipate we’ll see the emerging impacts of these early investments, from establishing essential infrastructure in the area to providing high-skilled jobs for people who live there.

UKREiiF: Thank you, Victoria.