Humber Freeport Unveils Investment Prospectus Highlighting £3bn Growth Potential and 5,000 New Jobs

Humber Freeport has revealed a new Investment Prospectus outlining opportunities that could attract up to £3 billion in additional investment and create 5,000 high-value jobs over the next decade.

The prospectus, launched at UKREiiF in Leeds—the UK’s premier event for investment, regeneration, property, and infrastructure—details development sites spanning 600 hectares that benefit from Freeport financial incentives.

Since its inception in 2023, Humber Freeport has already secured over £2 billion in investment across its tax sites. The new document projects a further £2-3 billion in funding, reinforcing the region’s status as a significant industrial hub and gateway for international trade.

Humber Freeport Chair Finbarr Dowling emphasised the region’s strategic advantages, stating: “The Humber has long been a place where industry, trade and ambition meet. This prospectus highlights the many strategic advantages that position our region as one of the UK’s most compelling locations for industrial investment.” He added, “Having spent more than three decades working in advanced manufacturing and inward investment, I’ve seen first-hand what this region can deliver. The Humber has moved from vision to reality, attracting global businesses, building skilled workforces, and delivering projects at scale.” Dowling also noted the importance of Freeports within the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, describing them as catalysts for growth and regeneration focused on creating skilled jobs and empowering communities.

The prospectus showcases investment-ready opportunities across the Humber Freeport’s tax sites in Hull, Goole, and Immingham, highlighting the region’s capabilities in manufacturing and energy security. It also details available incentives for investors, including reliefs on business rates, Stamp Duty Land Tax, and Employer National Insurance Contributions.

Major confirmed investments within the Freeport include LanzaTech’s sustainable aviation fuel facility at Saltend Chemicals Park near Hull and Metsä Tissue’s development of the UK’s largest tissue paper mill in Goole.

The launch event featured a panel discussion chaired by Ibrahim Mohamed, Strategic Advisor for the Department for Business and Trade, and included contributions from Dowling, Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, and Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.

Mayor Campbell commented: “The Humber already plays a huge role in the UK economy, but this prospectus shows there’s a lot more we can achieve. It sits alongside our Local Growth Plan, which builds on Hull and East Yorkshire’s strengths to create real opportunities for local people.” He emphasised the importance of collaboration across the Humber to attract investment and support local industries, adding that combined authorities provide a platform to boost confidence in the region’s future.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns described the prospectus launch as a milestone for Greater Lincolnshire, marking one year since her election as mayor. She said: “Greater Lincolnshire is the backbone of the United Kingdom. We feed Britain, we power Britain, and we defend Britain. We are one team, we are standing tall, and we are ready to outpace the competition. Greater Lincolnshire is open for business, let’s get to work.”

Alongside the prospectus unveiling, Dowling participated in a fireside chat with Juergen Maier, Chair of Great British Energy, discussing the Humber’s vital role in UK energy security and how renewable energy investments can support the region’s economic future.