Online event
Making use of UK Freeports for easier international trade
Monday 26 October at 10:00AM
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Learn how Freeports can help your business streamline customs and logistics processes, access specialist trade support, and connect with networks that can open doors to new customers and markets.
What you’ll learn
- To learn more about UK Freeports are and how they operate
- To understand the support Freeports can provide to UK businesses
- To identify how Freeports align with wider networks of support such as HMG, Chambers of Commerce etc.
Description
Freeports are designed to help businesses trade more efficiently, reduce costs and unlock new opportunities in global markets. Whether you're already exporting or considering international expansion, understanding how Freeports operate could help you strengthen your competitiveness and support future growth.
In this webinar, you'll learn how Freeports can help businesses streamline customs and logistics processes, access specialist trade support, and connect with networks that can open doors to new customers and markets. We'll also explore the wider benefits available to businesses operating within or alongside Freeports and share practical insights on making the most of the opportunities they offer.
This session is suitable for businesses of all sizes but will be particularly relevant to manufacturers, importers, exporters and businesses involved in international trade.
Speakers
Alex Courage
Head of International Partnerships, Freeport East
Alex leads Freeport East’s international partnerships activity, focusing on attracting inward investment and promoting international trade opportunities. She joined Freeport East in January 2026 after several years at the Department for Business and Trade, where she worked across trade policy, strategy and geopolitics. During her time in government, she also completed overseas postings in Turkey and Mexico, supporting UK businesses looking to expand internationally. Alex brings extensive experience in international trade and investment, helping businesses identify growth opportunities in global markets.
Eifion Jones
Business Growth and Investment Director, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport
Eifion is the Business Growth and Investment Director for the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, leading the Freeport’s inward investment drive. Prior to joining the Freeport team, Eifion was Chief Operating Officer at the Heart of the SW Local Enterprise Partnership, leading delivery of the LEP’s £250 million investment programme and the LEP’s wider operations. As well as experience in European funding, Eifion also worked for 16 years in the private sector, mainly at Toyota’s UK sales and marketing head office where he led the product planning and sales planning functions. A keen sailor and follower of Exeter Chiefs, Eifion is also hardened to the stresses and strains of supporting the men’s Wales rugby team.
Tom Morris
Trade and Investment Manager, Forth Green Freeport
Tom Morris is Trade & Investment Manager at Forth Green Freeport, leading efforts to attract domestic and international businesses. He brings private-sector experience from Shell, Cairn Energy, OMV and H2 Green. A graduate of Heriot-Watt University and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tom is a Chartered Engineer and RSA Fellow. He has served as a non-executive director of a university technology spin-out and is currently a trustee of Greener Kirkcaldy