By Katharine Glass, Director, White Label Creative
When we first began working with London Gatwick and partners across the region, the challenge was both simple and complex: how could one of the UK’s most economically powerful yet fragmented regions present a compelling, unified proposition for inward investment?
The Gatwick region is home to a major international airport, globally connected businesses, high-growth clusters, and diverse communities stretching across local authority boundaries. Its strength lies in that diversity but telling a single, confident story required collaboration, trust and long-term commitment.
The journey began in 2021 with two pivotal pieces of work: London Gatwick’s commission of research into Airport Economic Zones (AEZs) through the Coast to Capital LEP, alongside the Gatwick Diamond Initiative’s work to develop a regionally endorsed business case for inward investment.
Those early studies laid the foundations for something much bigger. In 2022, London Gatwick convened its first Economic Summit, bringing together senior leaders from local and central government, major employers and infrastructure providers. The aim was clear: align around a shared vision for sustainable growth and explore how Gatwick Airport could act as a catalyst and connector for the wider region.
The insights from those early summits directly shaped what would become the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) – a regionally led platform formally launched in 2025 to showcase the area’s strengths, opportunities and ambition.
White Label has been proud to play a pivotal role in shaping the AEZ. As lead consultant to the AEZ Taskforce, I’ve supported the development of its value proposition, messaging and stakeholder engagement strategy, working closely with London Gatwick and partners to ensure the platform genuinely reflects regional priorities.
Alongside this, our in-house design studio led the creation of the AEZ brand and visual identity, as well as the dedicated website, bringing the initiative to life digitally and providing a clear, professional platform to engage investors, partners and policymakers.
As the Taskforce continues to build momentum and formal governance structures take shape, our role has evolved into one of ongoing strategic counsel: helping shape narratives, align priorities, and manage key relationships as the AEZ grows in confidence and reach.
One of the most visible expressions of this collaboration has been the Gatwick Region’s presence at UKREiiF. Over the past two years, White Label has led the coordination and delivery of the region’s stand and programme, bringing together a powerful public-private coalition to speak with one voice.
From a dedicated exhibition stand and curated fringe events to strategic speaker placements, our focus has been on positioning the Gatwick Region as a confident, investable proposition. Crucially, we also lead on the commercial delivery, securing sponsorship and partner contributions to ensure the region’s presence is both high-impact and financially sustainable.
Our approach to the Gatwick Region is rooted not only in professional expertise, but in genuine personal connection. Several of our team live in the region. We use its transport networks, rely on its services, and see first-hand the opportunities and challenges facing its communities.
Building on the success of recent years, White Label Creative is proud to once again be coordinating the Gatwick Region presence at UKREiiF 2026.
With the AEZ now established as the UK’s first aviation-powered economic zone, next year’s programme will go further with an expanded stand, enhanced events programme, and an interactive investment prospectus designed to showcase opportunities across housing, infrastructure, innovation and sustainability.
Momentum across the region continues to build, reinforced by the Government’s approval of Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans – a milestone that underlines the region’s importance as a driver of national growth.
Working in partnership with London Gatwick Airport and a growing network of public and private sector partners, our shared message at UKREiiF 2026 will be clear: the Gatwick Region is open for investment.
With over 16,000 delegates expected in Leeds in May, the opportunity to amplify that message has never been greater.
White Label’s role is to turn collaboration into visibility, and visibility into investment. We’re excited to continue that journey with the Gatwick Region.
To find out more about joining the Gatwick Region delegation at UKREiiF 2026, or to explore partnership opportunities, please get in touch.
