As one of the eight Freeports in England, here at Thames Freeport, we have outstanding opportunities. With 18 million people on our doorstep, we are closer to Europe’s biggest consumer market than any other SEZ in the country. Nestled on the banks of the iconic River Thames, our Freeport is connected to over 65 countries across 130 ports. What do the Thames Freeport Incentives Mean – While we offer the same benefits as any other Freeport in the UK, the location of Thames Freeport has extra incentives that make it one of the country’s most impressive enterprise zones.
What are the Benefits of the Thames Freeport?
As London’s biggest opportunity of this generation, Thames Freeport is a central hub that is a great place to grow a business with benefits and international connections. In the UK, the benefits of Freeports are streamlined across England, Scotland and Wales, covering all twelve Freeports. However, in addition to top incentives that all Freeports are open to, Thames Freeport has some added value that makes it an attractive destination for businesses and will help your business excel.
0% Employer National Insurance contributions at Thames Freeport
For the first three years of service, businesses have 0% Employer National Insurance contributions for new employees at Thames Freeport. National Insurance is the name for one of the UK’s tax contributions, with employers required to pay a percentage (currently 13.8% and 15% from April 2025) of the employee’s earnings on top of the employee’s contributions. With the recent rise in rates, this is extremely beneficial to businesses. The 0% Employer National Insurance Contributions is a significant saving to businesses, helping them grow and expand quicker. It is particularly beneficial to Asian businesses where the tax top-up for employers is high, with the likes of South Korea required to match employee tax contributions.
0% Stamp Duty Land Tax at Thames Freeport
In the UK, Stamp Duty is the tax you have to pay when purchasing property or land. Stamp Duty Land Tax can be a huge financial burden for companies expanding in a new country. However, at Thames Freeport, this is one less thing to worry about with a 0% Stamp Duty Land Tax making it a great destination for UK expansion.
100% Business Rates Relief at Thames Freeport
Business Rates is a UK tax on commercial properties based on the property’s value. For businesses expanding internationally, the country’s business rates or equivalent tax can be a hurdle. In the UK, for the first 5 years, businesses at Thames Freeport receive 100% Business Rate Relief on newly occupied and expanded premises. A significant tax incentive that results in substantial savings, it helps companies reduce operational costs and invest in growth. The relief applies to properties within the designated Freeport area and it supports businesses seeking to establish or expand their operations in this location.
40% of Rent Equivalent Saved Over First Five Years at Thames Freeport
At Thames Freeport, businesses can benefit from up to 40% of rent equivalent over the first five years. By reducing rental costs for businesses, Thames Freeport enhances its appeal as a hub for trade, innovation and advanced industries. This is a major benefit for new investors who can save on initial costs with typical potential savings on a new unit equal to two years of rent-free use.
Lean Customs Arrangements at Thames Freeport
The lean customs arrangements available at Thames Freeport help to streamline the import and export processes for businesses. This includes simplified customs procedures, duty deferrals and tariff benefits. Goods entering the Freeport can be stored, processed and re-exported without incurring full import duties. This makes the entire supply chain more efficient and cost-effective while also reducing administrative burdens. These exemptions allow companies to avoid the financial burden of import duties on items that are not sold within the UK, enhancing cost-efficiency and competitiveness in global markets.
10% Enhanced Structures & Buildings Allowance per Year at Thames Freeport
Companies investing in the construction or renovation of non-residential structures and buildings within the designated Thames Freeport area can claim 10% of the construction costs per year over ten years, as opposed to the standard 3% that the UK typically offers. This enhanced rate helps accelerate tax relief and is a great incentive for long-term investment in infrastructure and development at the Freeport.
Incentives Extended to September 2031
The benefits and incentives available to businesses looking to grow and expand at Thames Freeport are seriously impressive. Better yet, these incentives have now been extended to September 2031, adding a further five years from the date of investment e.g. 2031 investment can receive benefits until 2036. This provides businesses with greater opportunity to build with exceptional tax relief and financial benefits that will help them to succeed, support the local economy and provide job opportunities.
Why Choose Thames Freeport?
In addition to the great benefits and incentives provided to UK Freeports, Thames Freeport has a few extra benefits that set it apart from the competition.
The Location of Thames Freeport
In terms of location and the opportunities it provides, Thames Freeport is the most well-connected Freeport in the UK. On the banks of the River Thames, our Freeport is strategically positioned to access the Port of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway, plus London City Airport. With excellent rail, road, river and air connections, it is a central hub for importation and exportation, with easy access to Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, international rail stations and southern seaports. This makes it easier and cheaper to get your products to consumers. Plus, with local connections including Ford’s Dagenham plant and major players in Canary Wharf, networking opportunities and proximity to suppliers are seemingly endless.
Access to Europe’s Largest Consumer Market
Three iconic London food markets that are leaders in Europe are coming together to a new site close to Thames Freeport. The new site for Smithfield and Billingsgate is moving to Dagenham, on the doorstep of Thames Freeport. This provides businesses with easy access to Europe’s largest consumer market with Thames Freeport able to provide low-carbon logistics by river.
Relocation Incentives at Thames Freeport
One of the great additional benefits at Thames Freeport is the relocation incentives available to both national and international businesses. Thames Freeport offers a range of relocation incentives to attract businesses to the area including the tax reliefs mentioned above and enhanced capital allowances. Relocating a business to Thames Freeport from an urban location or overseas country can reduce logistical and financial burdens.
1,700 Acres of Developmental Land at Thames Freeport
No matter how big or small your business is, there is space for it at Thames Freeport. With over 1,700 acres (689 Hectares) of developmental land, opportunity is plentiful.
Job Opportunities at Thames Freeport
As one of the largest and most important Freeports in the UK, Thames Freeport is an environment for career opportunities. The Freeport is expected to create a staggering 21,000 skilled jobs, available to the local communities in the Thames Freeport, across London and for those who can commute in from local towns and cities.