16th April 2021 8:38 am
Rishi Sunak’s Spring Budget saw the announcement of eight so-called Freeports in England that could potentially supercharge the manufacturing sector and spearhead the spread wealth and opportunities beyond the areas they are situated.
The Engineer spoke to Steve Treagust, VP, Industries Programmes at IFS, and Peter Taylor, managing partner at Paris Smith LLP and chair of Southampton Chamber of Commerce, about the potential for Freeports to boost the UK’s post-Brexit economy.
In what ways can the new Freeports demonstrate robust local development with maximum regional and national impact?
PT: The Government’s objectives of the new Freeports across the country are threefold:
We have never seen a year like it. The pandemic has changed life for everyone and had a huge impact on our towns, cities and high streets. Many of the changes have been happening for years and COVID-19 has simply accelerated them. The growth in online retail is just one example. So it is now more important than ever to support our business communities, great retailers and superb hospitality venues, right across Southampton, from the vibrant city centre to the diverse district high streets. Now the Daily Echo is teaming up with the city council and Go Southampton to launch the Love Local Business campaign, in print, online and on social media.
A WARNING has been issued to Southampton residents urging them to enjoy hospitality venues safely and avoid falling into Tier 3. Southampton City Council and business leaders in Southampton have issued guidance for members of the public to enjoy safely the hospitality venues and the retail outlets in the city. Southampton has remained in Tier 2 whilst a number of other local authority areas in Hampshire have moved to the highest Covid Risk category. From 12.01am on Saturday December 18, Portsmouth Gosport and Havant will enter Tier 3. In a joint statement from Southampton City Council, Southampton Chamber of Commerce, GO! Southampton and Westquay Shopping Centre, visitors to the centre of Southampton are encouraged to follow 3 basic steps for a safe visit in the build-up to Christmas and the New Year.