The Gatwick Diamond is a business led, joint venture by the Surrey and West Sussex Economic Partnerships to facilitate and co-ordinate the actions necessary to maintain strong economic growth in this area.

The following key sectors have been identified for the area:

• Advanced manufacturing and Engineering
• Pharmaceuticals
• Financial Services
• Professional Services 
• Aviation
• Retail
• Hotel and Leisure

Research into the Gatwick Diamond was undertaken by Step Ahead Research Ltd. At a skills presentation the results of the study were presented along with presentations from the Learning & Skills Council, Central Sussex College and an Employer.

An update from the West Sussex Economic Partnership (i-sight)

Diamond Vision
The Gatwick Diamond partners have agreed that to commission a study by London-based consultants GHK to flesh out what is needed to make the Gatwick Diamond a world-class business region centered on a major international airport. The study commences this month and will report before the summer.

Executive Co-ordinator for Diamond
Jill Armstrong has been appointed as Executive Coordinator for the Gatwick Diamond, joining at the end of January; her role will be to work with public sector partners and service providers to drive forward the economic strategy delivery across the area. She comes to this post, which is funded by SEEDA, having been working for them based at Sussex University compiling a Directory of Research Excellence in the South East.

FE Plus FE = Better Skills
Central Sussex College and East Surrey College are working together to develop a coherent pathway for training across the Gatwick Diamond. The Colleges are developing a skills escalator programme so that young people, adults, employees and employers are offered and have access to flexible learning pathways from entry level right through to further and higher education and skilled employment.

Featuring below is map of the gatwick diamond.