News

A high-profile delegation from the Gatwick Region including Tim Hardwicke, Richard Bull & Ryan Carson at SHW will return to the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May 2025. This marks the first time the delegation will attend under the new 'Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone' umbrella, following plans to develop an AEZ for the region were unveiled in November 2024.

 

The partnership—initiated by place marketing specialists White Label Creative and led by London Gatwick, in association with the Gatwick Diamond Initiative—drives efforts to establish a strong economic identity for the region surrounding the airport. Its goal is to position the Gatwick region as a premier destination for investment, innovation, job creation, and long-term economic resilience.

 

A broad coalition of supporting partners from both the public and private sector will be attending as part of the delegation.

 

Public sector partners confirmed to date include Chichester District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council, Invest West Kent, London Borough of Croydon, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, and West Sussex County Council.

 

Private sector partners currently include Birketts LLP, Develop Croydon, Oander, SHW, and Morgan Sindall and Modus.

 

In 2022, the Gatwick Region contributed £155 billion in GVA to the UK economy, accounting for 6.9% of the total—surpassing Northern Ireland, North-East England, Wales, the East Midlands, and Yorkshire & the Humber. The Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone delegation will attend the forum to highlight the region’s strengths as a leading destination for inward investment, business growth, and exceptional quality of life.

 

Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy, London Gatwick says: "The Gatwick region is a powerhouse of economic potential for the UK. London Gatwick is a vital economic anchor offering extensive global connectivity, and we are immensely proud to lead this delegation and the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone, elevating our region to the international stage at UKREiiF. London Gatwick is determined to invest in the future growth of the region, with UKREiiF offering the perfect opportunity to showcase and promote the potential we see to global investors."

 

Brett North, Chairman, Gatwick Diamond Initiative: "We are pleased to be able to showcase one of the UK’s most dynamic and well-connected regions at UKREiiF. With outstanding access to UK, international markets and a highly skilled workforce, the Gatwick region is a prime destination for inward investment. As a thriving economic hub, strong business community, it offers exceptional opportunities for business growth, innovation, and long-term prosperity."

 

Ruth Neave, Partner, Head of Public Sector at Birketts LLP, Supporting Partner: “The Gatwick region is more than just an international gateway to the South East and the UK. It is a strong economic zone in its own right with potential to grow further. We will be showcasing what the Gatwick region has to offer at UKREiiF and demonstrating how it is an economic heavyweight both in the UK and internationally.”

 

Coinciding with UKREiiF, the Gatwick Region AEZ will launch a new website to support their attendance.

 

For more details on the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone delegation at UKREiiF, visit www.gatwickregion.com