The UK government announced on 2 November 2026 a £700 million funding package to unlock up to 10 major industrial and commercial sites across the country, according to a Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade press release. The Strategic Sites Accelerator is intended to address barriers such as planning constraints, grid connections and access to finance, with the aim of attracting up to £2 billion in private investment.

The programme will offer loans, equity and targeted grants alongside technical expertise, and is already engaging on potential sites in Glasgow, Burgess Hill and Sheffield. It will explore opportunities in several mayoral regions, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, the North East, Glasgow City Region and Cardiff Capital Region. No10 North will work with local leaders to identify priority projects.

Government estimates that tens of thousands of jobs could be created over time, depending on which sites and investments proceed. Individual investments remain subject to commercial assessment, due diligence and approvals. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the programme aims to remove barriers holding back investment and jobs.