FREEPORT East has invested nearly £1 million into businesses and universities as part of its new ‘clean growth' fund.

Freeport East – one of 12 economic hubs in the UK and based at Bathside Bay, Harwich – is investing more than £980,000 in local businesses through two new funds.

The clean growth fund offers financial assistance to businesses operating in clean energy and other target sectors, such as green hydrogen, agricultural technology, engineering and digital.

Funding winners include Clacton-based railway engineering specialists MKC Rail, essex University-based farming firm Acer Resources, Rux Energy in Harwich, and Automotion in Felixstowe.

Versatile RobotX based in Colchester, Insight Energy Renewables near Ipswich, Revolve Labs in Stowmarket, and Suffolk University’s business investment programme are also included.

Freeport East said each of the businesses supported will also be creating new job opportunities and apprenticeships.

Education - The University of Essex and Suffolk will receive funding including a range of other education providersEducation - The University of Essex and Suffolk will receive funding including a range of other education providers (Image: Freeport East)

The Freeport East innovation and skills fund focuses on building access to innovation and skills opportunities, particularly in “underserved communities” and in sectors such as clean energy, logistics and trade.

Recipients of funding include a consortium of further education providers led by Suffolk New College to support learners, Reboot Education which offers alternative education for children aged seven to 16, and Aspire Education which provides mentoring for post-secondary students in Tendring.

Stempoint, which has workshops for Harwich and Felixstowe students in Years 6 to 8, A which provides specialist skills for learners of all ages, Menta which provides support for digital and trade-related businesses and small firms, and the Road to Logistics which focuses on new talent, are also included.

Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of Tendring Council and Freeport East board member, said: “This initiative will not only stimulate economic development but also create new opportunities for innovation and skills enhancement across the region, including Tendring, where our businesses and sector potential can drive our local economy significantly."

Rachel Eburne, Mid Suffolk district councillor and Freeport East director, said the investment will help with wider Freeport initiatives such as the Green Freight Corridor initiative running from Felixstowe to the Midlands.