The Gatwick Diamond is at the Economic Heart of the South East. It has a thriving economy, it is a good place to live and work and we want to keep it that way.
This Initiative was started in 2003 as a joint venture between the Economic Partnerships of Surrey and West Sussex to help improve the Diamond's economic performance over the next 10 years. It is business led initiative focussing on the actions that business believes will make a real difference. It is about improving the whole economy, ensuring a healthy Gatwick and a healthy non-airport economy too.
At the beginning Business Leaders were asked to help identify what specific actions could be taken. Business said "Give us an identity and image. Bring the area alive for businesses, investors and visitors. Make this area an internationally recognised business location where people want to live, work and invest." Since then we have been working with a range of partners, both public and private sector, towards this vision.
We are fortunate to have the support of SEEDA, West Sussex Economic Partnership, Surrey Economic Partnership, West Sussex and Surrey County Councils, the 6 Borough/District Councils, Surrey and Sussex Business Links and the Surrey and Sussex Learning & Skills Councils as our principal public sector partners. In addition we have had support from many businesses both large and small within the Diamond. These have included companies such as BAA, Basepoint, Fortis Bank, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Wilky Holdings to name but a few.
Since 2003 I believe we have made a real difference. The Gatwick Diamond is now recognised as an Economic Area in its own right. The Regional Economic Strategy recognises the Gatwick Diamond as an Area for Investment and Growth. For the first time ever Government (national, regional and local) is addressing the economic needs of the Area as a whole. Significant funding is being received for specific projects and major investment projects are underway within both the public and private sectors. The list is growing all the time.
There is however still more to do. We are not yet an internationally recognised business location. In a rapidly changing world there is no room for complacency. We need YOUR help too. Make sure YOU spread the word. The Diamond is the place to be. It is the place to invest. It is a good place to do business. Let us keep it that way.
David Butcher
Chairman - Gatwick Diamond Initiative
Managing Director - FD Outsourcing Ltd
Tel: +44(0)1293 817710
Email: david.butcher@fdoutsourcing.com
Website: www.fdoutsourcing.com
