Why it matters: The expansion will help deliver £1m of investment through the Freeport East Clean Growth Fund and Skills and Innovation Fund, supporting high-growth local businesses, universities, and colleges.
The details: Jonathan Rudd, Laura Mayne, and Sophia Padget have joined as Project Delivery Officers to work across Freeport East's programmes, including:
Driving decarbonisation through initiatives like the Green Corridor Partnership with East Midlands Freeport
Supporting development of offshore wind sector supply chains
Unlocking sustainable growth at sites in Harwich, Felixstowe and Gateway 14
Creating an innovation ecosystem with universities and local partners
What they're saying: "We're delighted to welcome Sophia, Laura and Jonathan to the Freeport East team - they all bring deep local knowledge of Essex and Suffolk together with expertise in a range of areas of economic development, inward investment and programme delivery," Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, said.
The big picture: Freeport East, one of 12 Freeports in England, aims to create 13,500 new jobs and generate £5.5bn in Gross Value Added over 10 years. The organisation works with local authorities, international investors, businesses and universities to drive investment and productivity in the region.
The bottom line: The expanded team will strengthen Freeport East's ability to deliver economic growth and sustainable development across Suffolk and Essex.
