Early next month the AEZ will bring together a taskforce of senior economic development and business leaders, including representatives from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, from across the six local authority areas within the Gatwick region.
Gatwick contributes 76,500 jobs and £5.5bn to the UK economy UK every year. The AEZ aims to build on this regionally, by unlocking new trade, tourism, and benefits for business, and attracting global investment for the region, in line with some of the priorities identified in the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper.
The airport is also awaiting a government decision on a £2.2bn investment plan to bring its existing standby Northern Runway into routine use, which if approved will create a further 14,000 jobs and generate £1bn a year in economic benefits. These plans include an Employment, Skills, and Business Strategy, supported by a £20m fund, which would provide a further funding boost the AEZ.
CEO Stewart Wingate said: “London Gatwick has a strong track record as a catalyst for regional growth. We are excited to be working with the community and business leaders to leverage what has already been achieved, promote the many benefits of the region and attract future inward investment.”
