Representation by Gatwick Diamond Initiative (Gatwick Diamond Initiative)
- Date submitted
- 10 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
I am a local resident and chairman of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative business group. The Gatwick Diamond Initiative is responsible for sustainable inward investment, facilitating economic growth, attracting new businesses to the region and fostering partnerships between the private and public sectors. Gatwick Airport is at the heart of our region and the future of its economic growth. The South East continues its fight to recover from the COVID pandemic, Brexit and the ongoing global economic challenges. The last few years have shown the importance of resilience. For us, resilience (and the responsibility it entails) means safeguarding the prosperity of a region that is home to 45,000 businesses and 500 international businesses, contributing £24 billion to the UK economy. It is a responsibility GDI take very seriously. GDI believe that Gatwick's Northern Runway project, with its creation of over 10,000 new jobs, delivering an economic boost to the Gatwick Diamond region of over £1 billion per year will create a tangible economic ripple effect. Businesses large and small and the communities they serve, not to mention the high-growth multinationals who invest and operate in the Gatwick Diamond, will all enjoy the benefits of a new resilient future for our region. With the Northern Runway in operation, Gatwick can continue to be a gateway to even more new global and regional business connections. The first increase in runway capacity in the UK for over 50 years is more than just about the airport; it's about supporting our economy and strengthening our resilience. A vital catalyst that creates an opportunity to deliver social value for the region, securing future employment that will deliver future education and training opportunities. It's equally essential that Gatwick continues its commitment to environmental sustainability. The Northern Runway plans align with the broader ambitions of the UK aviation sector, aiming to achieve net zero aircraft emissions and contribute to the Government's climate targets. Bringing the northern runway at Gatwick into regular use will strengthen our economy and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. In collaboration with 51 regional and national business groups, retained to represent the views of 55,000 businesses, have come together with the Gatwick Diamond Initiative to support Gatwick's Northern Runway project with its associated infrastructure improvements. Gatwick's commitment to further developing opportunities for local Gatwick Diamond businesses to participate, creating skills and career opportunities and, the airport's carbon programme and the UK and global aviation sectors' Jetzero initiatives are all central to the business community's support. In September 2023, 51 regional and national business groups, retained to represent the views of 55,000 businesses, came together with the Gatwick Diamond Initiative to support Gatwick's Northern Runway project and its associated infrastructure improvements. Gatwick's commitment to further developing opportunities for local Gatwick Diamond businesses to share in the success of the airport by participation in its supply chain or strong career opportunities, for example, alongside it’s carbon programme and global Jetzero initiatives means we lead the support from the business community.