London Gatwick is committed to being a partner and advocate for a thriving, resilient economy and contribute to local and regional workforce skills partnerships and initiatives. We look to use our position as a regional economic anchor to foster long-term, sustainable economic growth and inward investment.
Our latest research (below), by leading economists Oxera shows that the airport also supported over 76,000 jobs.
The majority of this vital economic activity took place in six local authority areas across the South East - West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Brighton and Hove and Croydon, as shown in this animation (left).
Report: London Gatwick local economic impact
Report: Airport Economic Zones
In 2023, we hosted our second annual Economic Summit. The summit brought together 150 influential delegates from across the region as we continue making strides towards our goal of supporting long-term, sustainable growth in our local and regional economies.
The day, hosted by renowned journalist Sasha Qadri, provided delegates with a range of sessions, including keynote speeches from London Gatwick CEO – Stewart Wingate, Natascha McIntyre Hall – Head of Regeneration at Gleeds, as well as a Ministerial Address from Kevin Hollinrake MP – Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business.
The speeches were divided by a range of panel sessions, featuring prominent industry figures, feeding into three key themes of International Connectivity, Innovation and Sustainable future skills. New London Gatwick Chair, Baroness Margaret Ford of Cunningham (OBE) and David Rowe, Director of investment at Transport for London, had fireside chat covering the benefits of major infrastructure projects with reference to the new Elizabeth Line on the London Underground.
Over 300 apprentices have started their career with us. Sister and brother, Liberty and George, joined us as apprentices and are now qualified engineers. They’re looking forward to growing as part of the Gatwick family. George was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2022.
Chantelle at One Resourcing has helped find jobs for hundreds of people at the airport. From security officers to cabin crew and ground support, we're at the heart of local employment.
Peek-a-boo Cakes is just one of the small businesses we’re happy to support. Jo says, along with many others, she wouldn’t be where she is today without the airport on her doorstep.
We have a strong programme of community investment. We support a range of initiatives and events across Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
We support initiatives that promote careers in STEM subjects, which are core skills needed to work at the airport.
We inform, inspire and invest in young people and we open up the world of opportunities to everyone. We support early careers and skills.