Key sectors across the Gatwick Diamond include Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Financial Services, Professional Services, Aviation, Retail as well as Hotel and Leisure. However, this is not an exclusive list and there is a rich representation of business in many other areas.
More than just a sector, industry clusters have become a popular tool for regions to understand their local economies in terms of creating growth and economic competitiveness. A cluster normally demonstrates interdependence, providing channels for business transactions, communication and dialogue. Attracting and supporting a critical mass of firms operating in the same sector will give this area an increased chance of success, as businesses can specialise in what they do best, with shared goals and better diffusion of new ideas and technologies.
To support regional economic performance and drive competitiveness, SEEDA supports a number of Sector Consortia Initiatives, working with business leaders and policy makers to develop these key sectors. Not for profit Consortia have already been established for the Construction & The Built Environment - SECBE Ltd, Aerospace and Defence - FAC Ltd, Healthcare Technologies, Environmental Technologies - Envirobusiness, Marine - Marine South East Ltd and Digital Content - South East Media Network. Membership is encouraged from businesses and organisations across the sector, with the aim of improving business performance though leveraging resources, sharing best practice and market intelligence, and addressing workforce issues.
