Major funding opportunities to be launched at the Solent Summit

On Wednesday 8 June, Horizon Cruise Terminal, Southampton will be the setting for the eagerly awaited Solent Summit, which will mark the launch of both the Solent Freeport and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) long term economic strategy: Solent 2050.

The event will offer investors, businesses and local residents the chance to find out about the Solent LEP's future ambitions for the region, as well as the opportunities available through the Solent Freeport. It will also see two major funding opportunities to support business prosperity in the region unveiled by the Solent LEP.

Rachael Randall, Chair of the Solent LEP, said: "Like many coastal communities, the Solent faces challenges in terms of productivity and our Solent 2050 strategy outlines how we will work with partners to level up our region, create jobs, drive innovation and ensure a prosperous economy providing hope for all communities and, in particular our young people."

“Establishing a freeport in the Solent is a key component of the Solent 2050 long-term economic strategy. It will unlock billions of pounds' worth of investment, create tens of thousands of new jobs and play a critical role in achieving national levelling up ambitions."

The event will be hosted by BBC South’s political editor Peter Henley and welcome inspirational British sailor Dee Caffari MBE as guest speaker.

The Solent Summit’s seminar programme for business leaders will cover topics including:

• The context of the Solent region as a seedbed of innovation and the role of universities as catalysts for new ideas, and in growing and unlocking high growth
• Developing the skills and talent of those living in the region which will translate into career opportunities
• Showcasing the unique natural capital of the Solent region
• Loan funding opportunities for Solent businesses and educational institutions

Business leaders and SMEs are invited to find out more about loan funding opportunities offered through the Solent LEP's SME Priority Sectors Loan Fund and the Solent Prosperity Loan Fund as part of the afternoon seminar programme at the Solent Summit.
Both loan funds aim to support growth, strengthen skills provision and create jobs in Solent's core sectors, including:

• Maritime;
• Advanced Manufacturing;
• Transport and Logistics;
• Leisure, Hospitality and Tourism;
• Healthcare and Medicine;
• Greentech;
• Creative and Cultural;
• Aerospace
• Retail.

The funds will also support the transition to Net Zero in the Solent for businesses in the core sectors and the Prosperity Loan Fund aims to enable new infrastructure to unlock development.

Rachael Randall continued: "The LEP is very excited to announce the two new funding schemes which will support the Solent 2050 vision, and the aspirations of those working and living in the region, including support for SMEs and entrepreneurs.

“We want as many businesses as possible who have a project that would benefit from interest free loan funding to come along to the seminar or to watch it live online to find out how it might benefit them.

“The announcement strongly supports our Solent 2050 strategy, which outlines how we will work with partners to level up our region, create jobs, drive innovation and ensure a prosperous economy where communities thrive."

For more information about the Solent Summit, please visit our Solent Summit information page.

A live stream of the event, including the seminars, will be available, and can be viewed here on 8 June at 10:00am.