Published: 22 May 2025

From: Economy

A delegation led by London Gatwick and 27 public and private sector organisations, united in their ambition to unlock the potential of one of the UK’s most dynamic regional economies will make a high-profile debut at UKREiiF next week.

Anchored by the international connectivity of London Gatwick Airport, the Gatwick Region generates £155 billion in GVA—accounting for 7% of the UK’s total economic output and surpassing that of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. The region is home to established sectoral strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, green technology, life sciences, and aviation services.

The delegation will represent the UK’s first Airport Economic Zone, the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone which marks a bold and coordinated commitment to driving sustainable economic growth, attract inward investment, and align with the Government’s Invest 2035 strategy.

Over the course of the three-day event, the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone stand will host a dynamic programme of activity designed to showcase the region’s strengths, highlight emerging opportunities brought forward by the Airport Economic Zone and reinforce the region’s position as a critical driver of the UK’s economic future.

  • A flagship panel session, “Launching the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone – A Gateway for Growth”, will bring together national and local leaders to explore how the AEZ will drive regeneration and economic transformation across the South East. The session will feature a keynote address from Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick
  • An informal networking breakfast, “You’ve Landed – Welcome to the Gatwick Diamond”, hosted by inward investment partner Gatwick Diamond Initiative. The event will offer delegates the opportunity to connect with key partners and discover the unique strengths of the Gatwick Diamond—home to over 45,000 businesses and a highly skilled workforce—all over a breakfast featuring regionally sourced tea, coffee, and refreshments
  • “A Taste of the Gatwick Region” wine tasting, a wine tasting and networking experience hosted by Great British Wine Tours and sponsored by Birketts, will showcase the area’s flourishing viticulture scene, with sparkling wines from six leading vineyards including Squerryes, Bolney, Ridgview, Denbies, Tinwood and Wiston

As a connected global gateway for business, trade and tourism, the AEZ will aim to promote the Gatwick Region with one unified voice—creating high-quality jobs, encouraging resilience, and supporting a thriving, inclusive economy for all who live and work there.

For more information or to register for events, visit the Gatwick Region website.

tags: gatwick