UK’s first Airport Economic Zone to champion the clean energy sector

The Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) – the UK’s first AEZ – will support the clean energy sector across its region, including geographic clusters across Sussex and Kent where Vent-Axia and Megger are located, the airport has explained.

AEZs bring 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 (£155 billlion 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 clean energy 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.

The Gatwick Region AEZ has launched a new, unified brand identity 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 Sussex and Kent where our clean energy 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 clean energy 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.