White Label were enlisted to deliver the London Gatwick Economic Summit, supporting its evolution from its inaugural event to its third edition in 2024. White Label’s role included event management, supplier liaison, design and video work, programme development (including the digital programme) and speaker coordination.
The Summit has grown from 120 attendees in its first year to over 200 in 2024. Hosted by London Gatwick Airport at the London Gatwick Hilton Hotel, the event brought together representatives from local authorities, businesses, developers, education providers, and other key stakeholders to discuss long-term sustainable economic growth and inward investment opportunities for the region.
This year’s programme, titled “One regional voice – navigating the route forward together,” was introduced by London Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate and focused on international trade, inward investment, and regenerative tourism.
Keynote speakers and panellists included Professor Winfried Hensinger (Universal Quantum and University of Sussex), Mohamed Rafi Mar (General Manager UK and Ireland, Singapore Airlines), Louise Bryce (Partnerships Director, VisitBritain), Dave Harland (CEO, Lost Gardens of Heligan), Louise Hellem (Chief Economist, CBI), Rob Lewtas (Strategic Partnerships Manager, Department for Business and Trade), and Heather Cheesbrough (Director of Planning and Sustainable Regeneration, London Borough of Croydon).
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the announcement that Gatwick are leading the creation of an Airport Economic Zone (AEZ), an ambitious initiative designed to support a thriving, resilient and sustainable economy in London Gatwick’s sub-region. To advance the project, a dedicated taskforce comprising senior economic development and business leaders will take the lead, with White Label as proud supporters of the AEZ, contributing to its vision of establishing one voice for the region.
The event also played host to a leadership lunch, bringing together local authority leaders and chief executives to discuss the significance of the AEZ and its potential impact for the six local authority regions.
The Summit complements a number of projects White Label are supporting Gatwick with.
