BID SUBMITTED FOR LIVERPOOL CITY REGION FREEPORT
A Liverpool City Region Freeport bid – which could create jobs, attract investment and support the wider economy – has been formally submitted.
Port of Liverpool
The proposal, actively supported and formally endorsed by the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is designed to build on the area’s proud maritime history and unique position as a western-facing port.
The designation of three tax sites in distinct locations – those being Parkside in St Helens, Wirral Waters and 3MG in Halton – would represent a major opportunity to attract a range of investment and facilitate new job creation.
It would also strengthen the region’s position as a location for global trade.
Asif Hamid, chair of the Liverpool City Region LEP, said: “The LEP has worked closely with local business to help shape the bid and ensure it reflects the current and future needs of industry as well protecting critical supply chains.
“Local business has been extremely energetic in engaging in the process of developing the application as well as providing letters of support for the bid. This has been a fantastic example of what can happen when the public and private sector work together on a shared ambition.”
The LCR Freeport bid attracted more than 40 letters of support from businesses, while backing was also secured from chambers, trade associations, universities and further education establishments.
Chris Shirling-Rooke, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, added: “As the body that represents the maritime sector for the North West, it’s clear to us there would be no better example of the government delivering on its own levelling up agenda within coastal communities, than by supporting the creation of a Freeport trading zone in Liverpool City Region.
“With innovation, the environment, job creation and growth at its core, this project is truly unique showing not only the incredible assets and potential of our region, but also our boundless optimism and unshackled aspiration.”
Roy Barry, partner at Brabners, noted that “now more than ever, unlocking the potential of the North of England feels critical to the future success of UK plc as a whole”.
“The acumen of our business community, the existing logistics networks and the local talent pool present an outstanding collective vehicle through which to drive prosperity in a post-Brexit landscape and support the government’s pledge to level up the economy,” he added.
For more on Liverpool’s Maritime Sector click HERE.