The East Midlands Freeport has generated 862 jobs across distribution and transport companies at East Midlands Airport and its surrounding industrial cluster. The initiative forms part of a wider £9 billion project aimed at creating 28,000 roles over six years.
The freeport covers three key sites: Castle Donington airport, Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, and a rail-linked business park next to Toyota’s Derbyshire plant. Companies operating within the East Midlands Gateway tax zone, including Maersk, CEVA, and Maritime Transport, have benefited from the freeport’s incentives.
Investment in the sites has reached £150 million since the project began in March 2023. The freeport provides business support measures such as business rates relief, Employer National Insurance contributions relief, and Stamp Duty Land Tax relief to attract investment.
The initiative is structured as a non-profit partnership between local authorities, landowners, and private sector organisations. Its focus is to develop globally competitive hubs in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and low-carbon energy while driving economic growth across the East Midlands.
