The Gatwick Diamond Initiative has described its return to the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025 as a success, with public and private sector partners presenting a unified regional identity to attract investment and drive long-term economic development.
Held in Leeds from the 20th to 22nd May 2025, the three-day event brought together a cross-sector delegation led by London Gatwick and the Gatwick Diamond Initiative (GDI), showcasing the economic potential of the region surrounding the airport. The initiative aimed to strengthen recognition of the Gatwick Region’s Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) and reinforce the region’s position as a viable destination for domestic and international investment.
Over the course of the forum, the delegation hosted discussions, presentations and networking opportunities focused on innovation, infrastructure and sustainable growth. Delegates included local authorities, private sector firms and strategic partners, all working together to highlight the region’s transport links, workforce, and development opportunities. The 2025 visit built on the foundations laid at the previous year’s forum, where the region’s economic identity was introduced on a national platform.
Brett North, CEO of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, said: “This year’s UKREiiF was a brilliant opportunity to show how serious we are about putting the Gatwick Region on the investment map. We’ve had dozens of conversations with developers, investors and policy influencers who now see the potential in what we’re building here.
“We’ve come away from UKREiiF energised by the conversations we’ve had and the interest we’ve seen. It’s clear there’s growing recognition of what our region can offer, and we’re ready to build on that momentum.”
This year’s UKREiiF also marked the first joint appearance by the Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Gatwick Diamond Business since signing a Letter of Intent to explore a potential merger.
The proposed merger aims to unify economic development and business membership support under one organisation, strengthening the region’s business voice and service offer. The two groups are now undertaking a strategic collaboration phase throughout 2025, with a full merger anticipated in 2026, subject to consultation with members and stakeholders.
The return to UKREiiF took place amid continued discussions around regional devolution and the future of infrastructure funding. The delegation used the platform to update stakeholders on the progress of the proposed AEZ, a concept launched at the 2024 London Gatwick Economic Summit. The AEZ is designed to consolidate the area’s assets under a shared identity and create a coordinated approach to economic growth.
Public sector representatives from Crawley, Horsham, Chichester, West Kent, and Croydon, among others, joined the delegation, alongside private sector sponsors including Morgan Sindall, Birketts LLP, SHW and Oander. The initiative was facilitated by White Label Creative, with London Gatwick as headline partner and the Gatwick Diamond Initiative as associate partner.
The Gatwick delegation will now follow up on investment leads generated at the forum and continue developing the AEZ strategy in preparation for the next stage of stakeholder engagement later in the year.