Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone sending largest ever delegation to major UK investment and infrastructure forum

A delegation of business, local government and academic leaders, led by London Gatwick, will be showcasing the airport’s innovative work supporting regional economic development at one of the UK’s premier investment forums this week. 

More than 60 delegates from across the Gatwick Region – which encompasses West Sussex, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Croydon, Kent and Surrey – will attend the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from 19 to 21 May.

Under the banner “Invest Gatwick Region”, the delegation will showcase the unique work being done across six local authority areas neighbouring the airport, with the aim of attracting further investment into the region to support growth and create jobs. This includes launching a digital investment prospectus with 28 ready-to-invest or development-ready opportunity sites valued at over £1.4bn.

This work forms part of the  Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone which is the first business-led partnership designed to actively promote the region surrounding the airport as a globally connected gateway for inward investment, international trade and the visitor economy.

At the three-day UKREiiF forum, the team will be hosting and presenting at a range of events including a discussion on Airport Economic Zones and a networking breakfast in partnership with  Gatwick Diamond Business – as well as having a dedicated stand in the exhibition hall where attendees can find out more about the initiative.

The Invest Gatwick Region UKREiiF delegation will be led by London Gatwick Board Chair, Baroness Margaret Ford, who said: “The Airport Economic Zone is a powerful vehicle to promote a region that delivers 7% of UK GVA (£165bn in economic value).  

“I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic and diverse group of regional leaders at UKREiiF – from world-class technology companies working at the forefront of quantum computing to some of our finest wine producers – to help raise awareness of the investment opportunities of the Gatwick Region and further strengthen regional collaboration.” 

Brett North, Executive Director, Gatwick Diamond Business said: “UKREiiF represents an important moment for the Gatwick Region as the largest and most ambitious delegation collectively assembled for the event comes together under the Invest Gatwick Region banner.

“Gatwick Diamond Business is proud to play a central role in bringing together business, local authority, education and investment partners to showcase one of the UK’s most globally connected and commercially significant economic regions.

“Backed by London Gatwick and the wider Airport Economic Zone vision, this is about demonstrating the scale of opportunity across the region, from investment and development to innovation, international trade and long-term economic growth.”

Launched by London Gatwick in 2025, the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) is the UK’s first ‘aviation-powered economic zone’.

The AEZ aims to drive sustainable long-term growth for communities across the region through private and public sector collaboration.

Representation within the AEZ delegation includes local authorities and combined authorities from across these areas, reflecting the region’s shared economic geography and collective ambition.

UKREiiF is the UK’s leading forum for real estate, investment and infrastructure, bringing together property professionals, investors, developers and senior decision-makers from across the UK.

More than 16,000 delegates – including over 4,000 investors and developers – are expected to attend this year’s event which will focus on airports and ports, coastal regeneration, rural placemaking, affordable housing, hospitality and cultural destinations, whilst maintaining attention on the wider real estate landscape.