Assisted Areas

The Solent LEP has secured Assisted Area status for the period 2014 - 2020 at two areas within the Solent:

• the area around Portsmouth Harbour, covering the waterfront on both the Portsmouth and Gosport side, and;
• areas on the Isle of Wight

Both areas have are key locations to catalyse business growth and already benefit from a strong, modern manufacturing base and a talented workforce ready to take advantage of the opportunities this designation will create.

Portsmouth is a critical economic hub for the entire Solent region and the Dockyard has always been at the heart of the city. The designation is designed to help the area rebalance its economy following the announcement that shipbuilding operations would cease at Portsmouth Dockyard in 2014.

The inclusion of 28 wards on the Isle of Wight on the map is critical in helping the Island economy mitigate unique geographic challenges which increase the cost of doing business and result in seasonal employment for many residents.

The 2014 - 2020 period represents the first time in history that the Solent has secured multiple designations for assisted area status.

Further information on Assisted Areas and how it could benefit your business can be found here.