The UK’s first Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) has launched, supporting the advanced manufacturing sector across its region, including geographic clusters across Sussex and Surrey where Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Kone, and BAE Systems are located.
The Gatwick Region AEZ brings together airports and their surrounding regions collaboratively, so they are better able to identify and promote themselves to attract investment, benefitting both airports and future economic growth.
Centred in the region surrounding London Gatwick, the UK’s first AEZ represents 7% of the UK’s total economy (£155bn GVA) and aims to exploit this potential to stimulate growth and investment across a region
In particular, the new AEZ will support ‘priority industry sectors’ outlined in the Government’s Industrial strategy, which includes the advanced manufacturing sector. Support may include raising the profile of the sector domestically and internationally – positioning the Gatwick Region as a global leader – advocating to government on the sector’s behalf and acting as an investment shop window, placing the sector front and centre for appropriate new opportunities.
Earlier in the week, the Gatwick Region AEZ launched a new, unified brand identity today to help showcase the region and its strengths to investors and developers from around the globe.
London Gatwick CEO, Stewart Wingate, said: “The Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone will support priority industrial sectors including geographic clusters across Surrey and Sussex where our region’s advanced manufacturing sector is located. It will be our job to make sure investors and developers hear what the Gatwick Region is known for, and that our advanced manufacturing sector is particularly strong, to help generate new inward investment opportunities and growth.”
The Gatwick Region AEZ primarily covers West Sussex, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Surrey, Croydon, and Kent however its boundaries remain flexible, enabling it to adapt and capitalise on economic growth in neighbouring areas.
This dynamic, pro-business region is home to leading universities and industry clusters including aerospace, clean energy, life sciences, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing. Strong infrastructure – including the UK’s second largest airport – make it an ideal location to operate with ease and scale.
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