NEWS
In support of a freeport
New horizons – PD Ports is committed to delivering a successful freeport bid that maximises new job and investment opportunities throughout the Tees region .
Ambition – PD Ports ’ COO Jerry Hopkinson is passionate about Teesport ’ s freeport bid .
PD Ports is a longstanding supporter of freeports as an opportunity to turbo-charge post- Brexit trade , boost the economy , create thousands of jobs and transform the outlook for socio-economically challenged regions .
In November , the government launched its bidding prospectus , declaring the process open and inviting sea , air and rail ports , working collaboratively with local leaders and local communities , to bid for freeport status .
As legal guardians of the River Tees , PD Ports is committed to delivering a successful freeport bid that maximises new job and investment opportunities throughout the Tees Valley , building on an already proven record of delivery .
Chief operating officer and vice chairman Jerry Hopkinson said the prospectus launch is a positive step forward and explained why the Tees Valley is a prime location to unlock the full potential that comes with being a freeport .
“ We are delighted the bidding process is under way ,” he said . “ We will continue working collaboratively with key partners and stakeholders in business , education , our communities and local and national government to drive this forward and make this a reality for our area .
“ The River Tees is one of the north ’ s greatest assets . It can handle some of the world ’ s largest vessels , already offering state-of-the-art port facilities and infrastructure , and having the availability of thousands of acres of strategically located development land .
“ As the statutory harbour authority for the River Tees , it is our duty to ensure we manage it safely and effectively , while enabling it to play its full part in supporting the future growth of our region .”
PD Ports is one of the Tees Valley ’ s largest employers and has attracted an array of investments in 2020 , including two multi-million pound state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plants , as well as directly investing £ 9.2m in a new , modernised bulks handling facility , and £ 3.36m in enhancing RoRo facilities at Teesport .
More than 95 people in the Tees Valley have been employed in real , sustainable jobs and PD Ports has also launched its largest ever recruitment drive , aiming to employ 50 new apprentices across various sites .
Jerry is confident that freeport status would further bolster the prospects already being delivered to the region .
“ We have a proud and proven track record when it comes to delivering private inward investment and creating high quality , sustainable jobs .
“ In the last ten years , we have attracted over £ 1bn of private investment , boosted international trade , created 2,600 new direct jobs and helped to secure 22,000 jobs in the wider supply chain . “ The freeport opportunity is a once-in-ageneration prospect . Building a shared vision that reflects the aspirations of our customers and stakeholders is undoubtedly key to a successful bid .
“ Freeport status lies at the heart of our plans to drive future economic growth and regeneration . We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Tees Valley Combined Authority , mayor Houchen , our stakeholders and local communities to deliver freeport status for our great region .” As well as hosting a virtual discussion for stakeholders to share ideas , PD Ports is inviting local communities , businesses and other interested parties to share their views to help create an evidence-based , comprehensive bid . Email freeports @ pdports . co . uk .
The official bidding process will end on February 5 2021 , with a view to announcing successful locations in the spring .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 33