First-ever single regional presence showcases £165bn economic powerhouse to global investors.
The Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone will once again present a bold, unified investment proposition at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds next month, bringing together it’s largest ever delegation of public and private sector partners, knowledge economy institutions and industry leaders under a single regional identity, comprising, for the first time, representation from across all six upper-tier authority areas.
Taking place from 19–21 May 2026 in Leeds, the delegation will, for the first time, be presented under the new Invest Gatwick Region banner and hosted on the Invest Gatwick Region stand (New Dock Hall, E42 & E46). As the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) moves from strategy into delivery, and aligns around its three core pillars – inward investment, international trade and the visitor economy – the brand architecture has been expanded to reflect this next phase, enabling a clearer and more focused outward-facing proposition.
The Invest Gatwick Region identity forms part of the AEZ’s “destination” approach, showcasing the region’s key opportunity areas and providing a clear, investor-led platform for engagement at UKREiiF 2026.
Led by London Gatwick as Headline Partner, with Gatwick Diamond Business as Associate Partner, and convened by White Label Creative, the initiative represents a significant step forward in place-based collaboration across the South East.
The 2026 delegation brings together a mix of public and private sector partners, alongside education and skills institutions for the first time, including:
London Gatwick, Gatwick Diamond Business, Brighton & Hove City Council, Crawley Borough Council, Develop Croydon, London Borough of Croydon, Horsham District Council, Chichester District Council (Invest Chichester), Invest West Kent, Kent County Council (Invest Kent), Opportunity Mid Sussex, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority, West Sussex County Council, Morgan Sindall Construction, Modus, Oander, SHW, Chichester College Group, London South Bank University, Nescot, University of Brighton, University of Sussex, and White Label Creative.
Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager, London Gatwick, said:
“The Gatwick Region is a £165bn economic powerhouse with global reach, and UKREiiF provides a vital platform to bring that story to life. By coming together under a single, unified voice through the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone, we are showcasing the strength of our connectivity, our sectors, and our collaborative approach to growth.
From aviation and advanced engineering to AI, life sciences and clean energy, this region is built for innovation and investment. Our presence at UKREiiF demonstrates not only what the Gatwick Region offers today, but the scale of opportunity we are unlocking for the future by harnessing the catalytic power of London Gatwick and its global connectivity.”
Brett North, Executive Director, Gatwick Diamond Business, said:
“UKREiiF 2026 marks a significant step forward for the Gatwick Region, with the largest-ever unified delegation coming together under the Invest Gatwick Region banner. As Associate Partner, Gatwick Diamond Business is proud to support this next phase of delivery.”
At UKREiiF 2026, the Gatwick Region will deliver a dynamic schedule of stand activity, events and networking opportunities at the Invest Gatwick Region Stand, located in New Dock Hall, E42 & E46.
Tuesday 19 May
10:45-11:15 | Invest Gatwick Region: Official Stand Opening (Stand)
Join us for the official opening of the Invest Gatwick Region stand at UKREiiF. Hear from senior regional leaders as they launch the stand, celebrate collaboration across public and private sectors, and highlight the Gatwick Region’s collective strengths as a destination for investment, innovation and growth.
14:30-15:00 | Quantum Technology in West Sussex (Stand)
A dedicated showcase, led by West Sussex County Council, highlighting the region’s leadership in quantum technologies, featuring a visual presentation of innovation across the Gatwick Region and recent UK Government-backed developments.
14:30-15:00 | Airport Economic Zones: Why Now, and What’s Next? (Rider Levett Bucknall Pavilion)
After five years of shaping the UK’s first Airport Economic Zone, London Gatwick will explore the future of airport-centred economies – why they matter now, how they drive national growth, and what’s next. Leaders will discuss attracting investment, boosting trade and tourism, fostering innovation clusters, and driving regeneration across key regions.
16:00–17:00 | Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority Wine Reception (Stand)
Join the chair and senior officers from the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority, along with other regional leaders, at a wine reception where you will hear the latest progress and next steps for the new authority, while also discovering opportunities across one of the UK’s most dynamic economic areas, over a glass of local sparkling wine and connecting with those shaping the region’s future growth.
17:30-19:30 | Kent County Council Drinks Reception (Cuckoo Club, Leeds City Centre)
A networking reception hosted by Kent County Council at the Cuckoo Club, Leeds City Centre, bringing together partners, investors and decision-makers from across the region and beyond.
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Wednesday 20 May
08:30-10:00 | Gatwick Region Networking Breakfast, in partnership with Gatwick Diamond Business (Café 212, Brewery Wharf)
A networking session showcasing key investment opportunities, growth ambitions and the region’s leadership in emerging sectors, including quantum technologies.
11:00-12:00 | London Borough of Croydon Stand Takeover
Highlighting Croydon’s growth ambitions, connectivity strengths and role within the wider Gatwick Region.
14:30-15:30 | Knowledge Economy Stand Takeover
Featuring keynote speakers from some of our Knowledge Economy partners, this session will showcase the region’s globally connected knowledge economy and its role in delivering the skilled workforce required for future growth.
16:00-17:00 | Kent County Council Wine Reception (Stand)
A further opportunity to build relationships and explore collaboration across the region, hosted on the Invest Gatwick Region stand by Kent County Council.
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