The Invest Gatwick Region delegation made a major impact at UKREiiF 2026, bringing together the region’s largest-ever unified delegation to showcase one of the UK’s most connected and economically significant areas to investors, developers and decision-makers from across the country.
Led by London Gatwick and delivered through the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ), the 60-strong delegation united partners from local government, education, business and industry under the new Invest Gatwick Region identity for the first time.
Across three days in Leeds, the delegation delivered a packed programme of stand activity, networking events, panel discussions and stakeholder engagement focused on investment, regeneration, innovation, skills and long-term economic growth.
A major milestone during the event was the launch of the new Invest Gatwick Region Investment Prospectus, currently showcasing more than £1.4 billion of ready-to-invest and development-ready opportunities across the region. The prospectus highlighted the scale of opportunity available across sectors including advanced manufacturing, aviation, clean energy, digital technologies, life sciences, logistics and the knowledge economy.
The Invest Gatwick Region stand, located in New Dock Hall, acted as a focal point throughout the week, hosting a series of partner showcases and networking opportunities exploring topics including quantum technologies, regional collaboration, airport economic zones and the role of education and skills in supporting future growth.
One of the key highlights of the programme was the “Airport Economic Zones: Why Now & What’s Next?” panel session hosted by London Gatwick, which brought together senior regional leaders to explore how airport-centred economies can drive investment, trade, innovation and regeneration across the UK.
The delegation also welcomed Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP to the stand during the week, where she met with Baroness Margaret Ford, Chair of London Gatwick, highlighting the growing national focus on infrastructure, connectivity and regional economic growth.
Alongside formal sessions, the programme included networking breakfasts, wine receptions, stand takeovers and stakeholder events designed to strengthen relationships and promote collaboration across the Gatwick Region and beyond.
The 2026 delegation brought together representatives from across all six upper-tier authority areas connected to the Gatwick Region, alongside education institutions, developers, investors and private sector partners – reflecting the increasingly collaborative approach underpinning the Airport Economic Zone.
The Gatwick Region contributes £165 billion in GVA to the UK economy and is home to globally significant sectors spanning aviation, advanced engineering, AI and digital technologies, clean energy, life sciences, financial services and the visitor economy.
Through the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone, partners are working together to align investment, infrastructure, innovation and skills to support sustainable long-term growth across the South East.
The Invest Gatwick Region Investment Prospectus can be viewed online here:
https://gatwickregionatukreiif.com/opportunities/
To find out more about the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone, visit:
https://gatwickregion.com/
