Solent Summit unveils vision for the region’s future and the launch of the Solent Freeport
Business and community leaders, potential investors, education providers, local government and other interested parties came together to learn more about the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) ambitions for the region, and the opportunities that collaboration will bring through the Solent Freeport, at the Solent Summit on Wednesday 8 June.
Held at the Associated British Ports sustainable Horizon Cruise Terminal in Southampton, speakers included inspirational British sailor Dee Caffari MBE, the Chair of the Solent Freeport, Brian Johnson, and the Chair of the Solent LEP, Rachael Randall.
Over 300 guests attended the event, with a further 200 joining online, to learn more about the Freeport and the opportunities that will act as a catalyst for an innovation revolution in maritime, autonomy and green growth. It will provide a centre of excellence in green skills and jobs to ensure local communities, and in particular our young people, will benefit.
The Solent LEP’s long term economic strategy: Solent 2050 was launched alongside the Freeport, along with two major funding opportunities to support business prosperity in the region: the SME Priority Sectors Loan Fund and the Solent Prosperity Loan Fund.