Six months on from the launch of targeted investments through the Clean Growth Fund and Skills & Innovation Fund, local businesses are reporting strong progress in workplace development, green innovation and sustainable growth.
The Freeport East Clean Growth Fund offers financial assistance to local businesses operating within clean energy and Freeport East’s other target sectors, such as green hydrogen, agritech, engineering and digital. Meanwhile, the Freeport East Innovation and Skills Fund focuses on building access to innovation and skills opportunities, particularly in underserved communities and in sectors relevant to the Freeport East area, such as clean energy, logistics and trade.
Since the funding was allocated, fifteen businesses across East Anglia, including those in clean energy, infrastructure, agriculture and MedTech, have drawn down around £135,000 worth of the grant funds, helping to support employment, education and green technology in the area.
Supporting innovation to improve local services
One firm benefiting from the fund is Revolve Labs, a creative media company located in East Anglia using immersive technology to transform healthcare training. With support from Freeport East, the company has developed a series of virtual reality (VR) training modules for the healthcare and MedTech sectors. These include a “Dementia Patient Journey” for GPs and a “Conflict Resolution” module for frontline NHS staff. In the past three months alone, these resources have delivered over 250 training sessions across the East of England, directly supporting healthcare professionals in the region and helping to raise the standards of care locally.
Hamish Mackenzie, Founder at Revolve Labs, said: “The support from Freeport East has allowed us to significantly increase production of key training modules. By combining immersive technology with real-world healthcare challenges, we’re able to deliver training for the NHS and other healthcare providers that’s not only more engaging but also more impactful and lower cost. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these modules are already making a difference for professionals on the ground.”
Strengthening skills and raising aspirations across the region
The Freeport East Skills & Innovation Fund is enabling a number of providers to support local learners access new employment and education opportunities.
In Tendring, Aspire Educational Mentoring is helping disadvantaged students access professional careers. More than 40 Year 13 students are receiving one-to-one and small group mentoring to identify career goals and build confidence. Year 12 students have also been inducted, with early sessions focusing on post-18 options, identifying potential barriers, and psychometric testing to match skills to potential careers. Some students are now preparing for informal mentoring placements with local employers in law, IT, and social care.
In Essex, STEMPOINT recently hosted a large-scale renewable energy workshop at the University of Essex for 638 students from 12 primary schools. Aimed at Years 6–8, the event introduced clean energy concepts and careers to young people in an engaging, hands-on format, helping to plant the seed of future STEM ambitions.
In Felixstowe, Road to Logistics is tackling critical skills shortages in the transport sector. Its training programme supports individuals who face barriers to employment, helping rebuild confidence and independence. Seven candidates are currently progressing through the scheme; three have already qualified to drive large goods vehicles (Category C&E) with local companies such as Maritime Transport stepping up to offer employment opportunities.
Jennifer Swain, Director of Talent, Development & HR at Road to Logistics, added: “Road to Logistics are a not-for-profit supporting vulnerable and marginalised individuals into training and employment in logistics. We rely on funding and donations to operate, with the aim of removing the barrier of cost of license acquisition for our learners. Freeport East have been so supportive, not only providing us with funding but by making introductions to local employers too. We are extremely grateful to be able to support community members to change their lives for the better, thanks to the funding from Freeport East.”
Supporting real-world engineering innovation
The fund is also enabling innovation in science and technology. MKC Rail, a Clacton-based engineering firm, has made significant progress on a research and development project to create advanced materials for overhead line equipment – such as booms, masts, and stovepipes that support rail electrification. The project is now nearing completion having developed valuable insights into delivering lower cost materials for the rail sector.
In Colchester, Versatile RobotX – a University of Essex commercial spin-out – is developing an affordable, autonomous robotic rover to support smart farming. The rover will be capable of tasks like crop scouting, environmental monitoring, disease detection, and yield forecasting. Initial work has focused on the sensor platform, with field trials involving local growers planned in the coming months.
Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, said: “We’re pleased to see the real-world impact of these targeted investments – not just for the businesses receiving support, but for the communities around them. The Clean Growth and Skills & Innovation Funds are helping local firms take bold steps forward in sustainability, technology, and workforce development.
“These will help create long-term opportunities for local people, boosting inclusive growth, and laying the foundations for a greener, more resilient economy across East Anglia. We’re looking forward to monitoring the continued opportunities and growth that these businesses will bring to the area.”
