Page 60 • The HERALD • 26th January 2023 v THE HERALD - SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES v ASK A PROFESSIONAL Looking for a Bookkeeper? Sole Trader - Limited Company Self Assessment, Accounts, Payroll Please call Johanna on 023 8089 9365 Once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity as the Solent Freeport Announced as One of UK’s First e Solent Freeport was recently announced as one of the rst UK Freeports to be fully approved by Government. Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport, said: “This is the news we’ve been looking forward to and I’m grateful to our partners across the public and private sectors for their commitment and vision in bringing about a freeport for the Solent which will benefit our communities for generations to come. The strong business case we put forward, achieved through collaboration and partnership working, led by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership particularly in the set-up phase, has resulted in the Solent Freeport being one of the first officially designated by Government. The Solent Freeport really is a once-in-ageneration opportunity - an investment in our future which will ensure local people benefit from job creation and increased prosperity, regenerating our communities.” Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “This Freeport is going to give local economies a shot in the arm and unlock a new state of the art business space and create tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs. We are maximising the opportunities of leaving the European Union to drive growth and throw our doors open to trade with the world.” e announcement follows formal Government designation of the tax sites within the Solent Freeport, where investment is underway. Tax sites o er occupiers business rates relief and other incentives to support capital investment, skills and employment. Business rates growth generated at the tax sites can be retained locally and reinvested in the area. Designation of the Solent Freeport will help accelerate and enhance investment already underway at key locations including: • A package of investments at the ABP Port of Southampton to enhance operational e ciency and capacity including new warehouse and distribution units; additional container storage areas; new HGV driver welfare facilities; improved marine access as well as enhanced rail provision to support businesses right across the UK. • New 500,000 sq. of business space at Navigator Quarter, adjacent to the runway at Southampton Airport, and part of a 75-acre site as part of the Solent Freeport. e project is being delivered by AGS Airports Ltd in partnership with blocwork, a Network Rail JV Company, and expected to be completed in 2024. Navigator Quarter site is ideally placed to bene t from excellent air, road, sea and rail connectivity. Phase 1 will deliver over £120m GVA to the UK economy. • Construction is underway to deliver three new Grade A speci cation buildings at Dunsbury Park, a 100acre business park within the Solent Freeport already home to the global headquarters of several international companies. e new build units range from 19,000sq -33,000sq . of industrial and manufacturing space and will be ready for occupation by the summer. ey will target the highest environmental standards with a BREEAM Excellent rating, providing rainwater harvesting, EV charging and PV panels. In addition to the buildings under construction, Dunsbury Park can o er pre-let opportunity to businesses ranging from 24,000sq -200,000sq . e Solent’s ambitious bid for Freeport status was one of eight in England shortlisted by Government in the Spring 2021 budget. As an important part of the UK’s economic recovery, freeports are areas that bene t from incentives to encourage economic activity. Brian Johnson continued: “The Solent Freeport will bring opportunities throughout our region and, most importantly, to our young people. We will see investment in high quality employment and state-of-the-art growth sectors while partnerships with our three world-class universities and research assets are set to catalyse an innovation revolution Continued on page 61
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