With a common goal to create an identity and ensure sustainable economic growth for the Gatwick diamond region, the inaugural Gatwick Airport Economic Summit – “Local Economy. Global Opportunity”, brought together stakeholders for a day of presentations and panel debates at the Hotel Sofitel London Gatwick in November 2022.

Hosted by Gatwick Airport and creatively delivered by White Label, including event management, design, a digital programme, the formation of the event programme and the coordination and briefing of all speakers, the summit discussed long-term, sustainable economic growth with an audience of over 120 delegates, including local authority representatives, businesses, developers, education providers, business forum representatives and other key stakeholders from the region.

A core focus was the research Gatwick Airport commissioned Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership to conduct into Airport Economic Zones (AEZs) and following an opening address by Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate, speakers and delegates explored topics including the skills pipeline in the Gatwick region, opportunities arising from tourism and leisure, and a spotlight on growth sectors across Surrey, Kent, south London, and Sussex. Delegates also heard keynote presentations from guest speakers including The Sunday Times’ economics editor David Smith.

The event provided the perfect platform to launch Gatwick Diamond Initiative’s new inward investment platform and accompanying website – designed and produced by White Label’s design and communications teams.

Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy, Gatwick airport, said: “The constant thread through our stakeholder engagement for the past two years has been that it’s absolutely imperative for the recovery and growth of this area, and of the airport, that we all come together and collaborate to leverage the benefits that we’ve all talked about today.”

She followed by affirming that “today has been an important milestone for Gatwick, but we want to take this forward and continue the conversation.”

White Label’s Associate Director, Bonnie Stephensmith, commented: “From Croydon to the Brighton coastline, the diamond region surrounding Gatwick Airport is a place where businesses really can flourish. We are extremely honoured to have been asked to deliver such an important inaugural event, supporting the team through our expert knowledge of economic development as well as event management, to bring the summit to life”.

For more information on the summit or how White Label can support your next event, please contact jleggatt@wlcreative.org.uk