Citypress appointed to strategic communications brief for East Midlands Freeport

Citypress has been appointed as the retained strategic communications agency for East Midlands Freeport, the UK’s only inland freeport, following a competitive pitch. 

The agency will support the Freeport in delivering a high-impact communications programme that promotes investment, enhances stakeholder engagement and raises national awareness of its role in driving clean growth, innovation and job creation.

The retained brief includes public affairs, media relations, digital marketing and creative campaigns. It forms part of East Midlands Freeport’s ambitious strategy to unlock £9 billion in economic value and create 28,000 skilled jobs by 2031.

This latest win reinforces Citypress’ credentials in place branding and infrastructure communications, adding to its work for leading organisations such as British Land, Bruntwood SciTech, JLL and the Department for Business and Trade.

Dan Cooper, Head of Communications and Inward Investment at East Midlands Freeport, said: “We’re at a pivotal moment in the life of East Midlands Freeport. This is about more than just raising awareness – it’s about building long-term confidence among investors, stakeholders and the communities we serve. Citypress stood out with their insight-led, collaborative approach, and we’re excited to be working with them as we take our message national.”

Tom Anelay, Director and Head of Public Affairs at Citypress, said: “East Midlands Freeport is one of the UK’s most transformative regeneration and investment opportunities. It will attract world-leading businesses and technologies to the heart of the UK, bringing jobs and investment. As an agency rooted in places and purpose, we’re proud to be supporting the delivery of this vision by ensuring the scale of the opportunity is clearly understood and widely supported.”

Citypress will work with East Midlands Freeport to deliver its 2025/26 communications strategy, helping to attract investment, influence policy and build trust with key audiences. The agency will create high-impact content and campaigns, support public affairs and infrastructure advocacy, and raise the Freeport’s national profile through targeted media and stakeholder engagement.

The appointment comes at a critical time as East Midlands Freeport seeks to secure early investor interest across its three strategic tax sites before the 2031 tax relief deadline.