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Local and regional economy

A strong London Gatwick supports the growth of our region's economy

We could generate an additional £1 billion for the region by 2032

A strong London Gatwick supports the growth of our region's economy. With the Northern Runway Project, we could generate an additional £1 billion for the region by 2032. This will help drive inward investment and long-term sustainable growth for the region.

A clear identity for our regional economy is key as we recover from the pandemic. To tackle this, we looked to see how other airport regions promote themselves. This gave us an idea of how we can create a clear identity for ourselves and attract further investments.

Local economic impact of London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick regional economic summary

The video below provides a summary of the Gatwick region. This is just a snapshot of what the region has to offer.

Airport Economic Zone report

This research is a baseline for us to use in our work with local business groups and stakeholders. 

Airport Economic Zone report
Local economy, global opportunity

In 2023, we hosted our second annual Economic Summit. The summit brought together 150 influential delegates from across the region as we continue making strides towards our goal of supporting long-term, sustainable growth in our local and regional economies.

The day, hosted by renowned journalist Sasha Qadri, provided delegates with a range of sessions, including keynote speeches from London Gatwick CEO – Stewart Wingate, Natascha McIntyre Hall – Head of Regeneration at Gleeds, as well as a Ministerial Address from Kevin Hollinrake MP – Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business.

The speeches were divided by a range of panel sessions, featuring prominent industry figures, feeding into three key themes of International Connectivity, Innovation and Sustainable future skills. New London Gatwick Chair, Baroness Margaret Ford of Cunningham (OBE) and David Rowe, Director of investment at Transport for London, had fireside chat covering the benefits of major infrastructure projects with reference to the new Elizabeth Line on the London Underground. 

Our first yearly summit in 2022 brought together over 120 people who all came from a range of industries. We had people from local councils, businesses, and education. 

Press release

Local case studies

Are you a local business and looking to work with us? Doing business with us

Growing businesses

We’re helping Ridgeview Wine Estate to reach more people. Simon Roberts, Head Winemaker, says that being so close to the airport gives them the opportunity to welcome guests from over 60 countries and 200 destinations. Ridgeview were winners at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2023.

Growing careers

Over 300 apprentices have started their career with us. Sister and brother, Liberty and George, joined us as apprentices and are now qualified engineers. They’re looking forward to growing as part of the Gatwick family. George was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2022.

Providing opportunities

Chantelle at One Resourcing has helped find jobs for hundreds of people at the airport. From security officers to cabin crew and ground support, we're at the heart of local employment.

Creating employment

Peek-a-boo Cakes is just one of the small businesses we’re happy to support. Jo says, along with many others, she wouldn’t be where she is today without the airport on her doorstep.

Supporting local causes

A photo of Gatwick staff and AAKSS personnel in front of an air ambulance helicopter

We have a strong programme of community investment. We support a range of initiatives and events across Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

Community support 

Working with schools

a photo of several Gatwick graduate scheme students along with Gatwick's apprentice development lead Dave White standing on the roof of the pier 6 bridge

We support initiatives that promote careers in STEM ​subjects​​, which are core skills needed to work at the airport.

Education

Building our workforce

a young male Gatwick engineer with a wrench

We inform, inspire and invest in young people and we open up the world of opportunities to everyone. We support early careers and skills.

Developing skills