Ports in the UK represented by the British Ports Association (BPA) today welcomed the launch of the bidding process and the publication of the bidding prospectus for Freeports in England.

According to the BPA they have been promoting a port zoning economic vision that supports regional growth and prosperity akin to the Freeports strategy for several years.

This stage represents a key step forward to the establishment of a more advanced model Freeports than previously seen. However inclusivity and consistency around the UK is still something policy makers need to consider to ensure all regions can benefit.

The British Ports Association, the national association for all types of ports, harbours and terminals, speaks for over 400 ports, terminals and port facilities. BPA membership facilitates 86% of all UK port trade and handles 85% of all vessel arrivals in the UK.

The BPA has championed the value of port clusters as a way of driving economic growth in coastal regions. Since the UK Government’s announcement of the establishment of 10 Freeports in the Summer of 2019, the BPA has argued that the Government must prioritise the principles of inclusivity, competition and fairness when forging the policy.

The BPA welcomed recent suggestions that the Treasury would consider the establishment of more than 10 Freeports in the event they receive a large number of high-quality proposals.

More here on the development from the BPA and their Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne.