The UK government's approval of London Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway programme on 21 September 2025 represents a pivotal moment for regional growth. The £2.2 billion privately financed project is expected to generate an additional £1 billion in annual economic value and create around 14,000 new jobs across various sectors, including aviation, construction, logistics, and more.
For businesses in the surrounding area, this infrastructure development will bring more than just an upgrade to the airport itself - it signals a sustained period of demand for local goods, services, and skilled labour. Gatwick’s Employment, Skills, and Business Strategy ensures local firms will have early access to procurement pipelines, helping them tap into new opportunities.
Strategic Planning for Growth and Opportunity
With a significant expansion on the horizon, businesses should start assessing their readiness for increased demand. Key considerations may include:
In addition to business growth, the UK Budget 2025 has introduced measures aimed at sup - orting businesses in the region. From April 2026, permanent reductions in business rates will apply to a significant number of retail, hospitality, and leisure properties—sectors that are well-represented in the area. Combined with a broader package of business rates relief and the Supporting Small Business scheme, these fiscal measures can help offset potential rises in operating costs during what is likely to be a period of growth and heightened competition.
Adapting to Regulatory and Environmental Changes
As the project progresses, businesses should stay informed about the evolving regulatory environment. Gatwick must meet various conditions regarding transport, environmental, and noise requirements before construction can begin. Monitoring these changes will be crucial in ensuring businesses remain compliant and positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities.
Forward Planning for Sustainable Growth
The approval of the Northern Runway and the accompanying fiscal measures represent a unique opportunity for businesses to plan for the future. By reviewing operational readiness, staying aligned with evolving regulations, and preparing for an influx of demand, businesses can strategically position themselves for success in the years to come. Now is the time for forward-thinking, with ample opportunities on the horizon for those ready to seize them.
Nusrat Qureishi joins us as the Head of Corporate & Commercial Law. She is a corporate commercial lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience with particular expertise in the sale and purchase of businesses and companies, as well as the establishment of partnerships and other joint ventures.
Having trained and worked for many years for a City Law firm, Nusrat has a wealth of experience of working on high-value and complex corporate transactions. Her experience extends to advising on mergers, investment, shareholder, restructuring, banking and re-financing and corporate governance work. Her clients have included entrepreneurs, owner-managers, mid-market companies, SMEs, PLCs, international corporates, private equity, banks and financial institutions, joint venture parties, LLPs, partnerships and individuals.
Client service is highly valued by Nusrat who invests time to gain a real understanding of her clients’ needs to meet their goals as effectively and commercially as possible. She aims to be involved in the preparation of a business for sale or purchase from an early stage to ensure that the process runs smoothly and without unnecessary risk, helping to reduce both time and cost for her clients. Her experience allows her to advise companies on strategy – enabling entities to realise the next stage of their growth plans and also support more sophisticated businesses to achieve their commercial objectives.
Nusrat’s approach is totally consistent with the ethos of stevensdrake where client satisfaction is valued together with the provision of a high quality service.
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