- On 23 June 2025, the government published the Industrial Strategy Zones Action Plan, combining the previous Freeport and Investment Zone programmes to support the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
- Industrial Strategy Zones exist in 22 places across the UK: 10 with an Investment Zone, nine with a Freeport, and three with both.
- Incentives available to companies operating in Industrial Strategy Zones may include grant funding, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief, business rates relief, employer NIC relief, enhanced capital allowances, enhanced structures and building allowances and, in Freeport sites only, simplified customs arrangements.
- The action plan sets out the government’s proposals to improve governance and accountability, and accelerate delivery of the Industrial Strategy Zones
- Timing: all Freeports are now operational, with some customs sites still to be designated. No timescale has been provided to agree the details of the outstanding Investment Zones. Tax reliefs will be available until 30 September 2031 for Freeports in England and to 30 September 2034 for Investment Zones, Scottish Green Freeports and Welsh Freeports.
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