Gatwick Airport increases local procurement opportunities

Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-largest airport, continues its efforts to drive both regional and national economies by providing new, targeted business opportunities for the local region should its Northern Runway plans be successful.

The airport has opened up registrations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to submit their interest in working with Gatwick as a supplier. 

The news follows the airport’s development of a new strategy to ensure its procurement and supply chain spending also targets businesses in the region and builds on its £100mn spend in 2019. 

“Gatwick has been a major driver for the local and regional economy for several decades, as well as supporting the wider UK economy. We plan to maximise the benefits we provide for local people, communities and businesses through the development of a range of supply chain initiatives that aim to ensure the airport’s procurement and supply chain spending targets businesses based in the region,” said Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager, Gatwick Airport. 

Who can register?

Those SMEs that can supply Gatwick with construction, facilities management, IT projects, workwear, utilities, distribution and HR services (among many others) and are based in RH, BN, CR, KT, TN or GU postcodes can register to work with the airport. 

“Today’s announcement provides a significant opportunity for smaller businesses across our region to benefit from access to Gatwick’s supply chain. Businesses that have previously worked within the Gatwick supply chain have flourished and we welcome Gatwick opening up this opportunity for more businesses to be able to participate as our economy rebuilds following the pandemic,” added Jeff Alexander, Chief Executive, Gatwick Diamond Initiative. 

Gatwick’s Northern Runway

September 2021, Gatwick announced its plans to bring its existing Northern Runway into dual routine use alongside its Main Runway. 

While maintaining its compliance with global safety standards, Gatwick states that the new plans will help to reduce delays, bring new global connections, and allow the business to grow, serving a potential 75 million people by 2038. 

Gatwick will also improve airport and highway access, and increase its landscaping and green planting, as well as generate 18,400 jobs and £1.5bn for the local area.

As part of its plans, Gatwick has developed an Outline Employment, Skills and Business Strategy which details initiatives to use its procurement process to provide local SMEs with as many opportunities as possible, as well as encouraging investment in local businesses.

To find out more about the Northern Runway, click here.