Freeport East marks third anniversary

Freeport East marks third anniversary

Freeport East is celebrating its third anniversary after a year marked by significant investment, innovation and economic growth in the region. Last year saw substantial progress in delivering long‑term benefits for local communities and businesses.

Over the past year, Freeport East has:

• advanced £250 million in private sector investment
• enabled more than £200 million in new international inward investment
• invested nearly £20 million into programmes supporting skills, innovation, and business growth.

These efforts helped create high‑value jobs, expand commercial space, and strengthen industry collaboration across sectors including maritime, clean energy, digital technology, and logistics.

Freeport East also continued work to unlock critical infrastructure, including plans to deliver up to 500MW of new electricity grid capacity to support future investment in the region. In addition, the organisation secured continued UK Government support as East Anglia’s only Industrial Strategy Zone, positioning the area for further strategic growth.

Chief Executive Steve Beel said 2025 was focused on “turning prospects into delivery on the ground,” emphasising that the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich remain key attractions for international manufacturers, traders and clean energy companies.

As Freeport East enters 2026, the organisation plans to build on this momentum by continuing to drive investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across East Anglia.