29 May 2026
SHW at UKREiiF 2026: Showcasing the Strength of the Gatwick Region
Aviation, Business Space, Commercial, Development, Industrial & Logistics, Industry News, Investment, SHW News
SHW was proud to be part of the Invest Gatwick Region delegation at UKREiiF 2026, joining more than 60 partners in what became the region’s largest and most unified presence at the event to date. Held over three days in Leeds, the programme brought together local authorities, education providers, developers, investors and industry leaders to highlight the Gatwick Region’s position as one of the UK’s most connected and economically significant areas.
This year marked the first time the delegation appeared under the new Invest Gatwick Region identity, led by London Gatwick and delivered through the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ). SHW played an active role throughout the week, contributing its market insight and development expertise to conversations centred on investment, regeneration, innovation, skills and long-term economic growth. The Invest Gatwick Region stand in New Dock Hall quickly became a focal point for engagement, hosting a series of discussions and partner showcases exploring themes such as quantum technologies, clean energy, digital innovation and the importance of education and skills in supporting future growth.
A major milestone of the week was the launch of the Invest Gatwick Region Investment Prospectus, which currently features more than £1.4 billion of development-ready and investment-ready opportunities across the region. The prospectus highlights the scale and diversity of potential across sectors including advanced manufacturing, aviation, clean energy, digital technologies, life sciences, logistics and the knowledge economy. SHW welcomed the opportunity to support the promotion of these opportunities, reflecting the firm’s long-standing commitment to enabling sustainable, high-quality development across the Gatwick corridor. The prospectus can be viewed online via the Invest Gatwick Region website.
The delegation also welcomed Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP to the stand, where she met with Baroness Margaret Ford, Chair of London Gatwick. Their discussion underscored the growing national focus on infrastructure, connectivity and regional economic development. Another standout moment was the panel session “Airport Economic Zones: Why Now & What’s Next?”, 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. These themes align closely with SHW’s advisory work across the South East, where the firm continues to support clients in bringing forward projects that strengthen economic resilience and unlock long-term growth.
Throughout the week, networking breakfasts, receptions, stand takeovers and stakeholder events provided valuable opportunities for SHW to deepen relationships with partners from across the public and private sectors. The 2026 delegation included representatives from all six upper-tier authority areas connected to the Gatwick Region, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration and coordinated economic planning. With the Gatwick Region contributing £165 billion in GVA to the UK economy and home to globally significant sectors spanning aviation, advanced engineering, AI and digital technologies, clean energy, life sciences, financial services and the visitor economy, the region continues to play a vital role in driving national prosperity.
SHW’s involvement in UKREiiF 2026 reinforces its commitment to supporting the Gatwick Region’s evolution as a world-class hub for innovation, connectivity and opportunity. As a leading property consultancy with deep roots across the South East, SHW remains dedicated to helping shape the future of this high-growth region through its work in planning, development, valuation, investment and strategic land.
