University of Brighton champions jobs, innovation and regional growth at UKREiiF 2026

The event showcased how investment in skills, innovation and partnerships can drive sustainable growth across the Gatwick region and the wider South East.

As one of the region’s largest civic institutions, the University of Brighton plays a significant role in supporting Sussex’s economy through education, research, innovation and direct local investment. Between 2020 and 2025, the university spent almost £40 million with Sussex-based organisations, helping support jobs, services and economic activity across the region.

The university consistently invests between £7 million and £9 million annually with Sussex suppliers and organisations, reinforcing its long-term commitment to regional growth, local partnership working and strengthening economic resilience across Sussex communities.

UKREiiF brought together national and regional decision-makers to explore how the UK’s fastest-growing areas can attract investment, boost innovation and create resilient local economies. The Gatwick region is one of the country’s most economically significant growth areas, home to major employers and fast-growing sectors including clean growth, advanced manufacturing, health innovation, digital industries, and the creative economy.

Julie Kapsalis, North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT); Abbie Kempe, Canterbury Christchurch University; Olivia McLaughlin, Chichester University; Paul Rolfe Chichester College Group; Paul Kett, Vice-Chancellor, London South Bank University, Lorraine Davies, University of Brighton; Kate Thorpe, University of Sussex

The University of Brighton attended as part of the Gatwick delegation, made up of 27 partners representing the region’s knowledge economy, alongside universities, college groups and other regional organisations working together to promote investment and growth across the area. The university’s participation also supported the launch of the new Invest Gatwick Region Investment Prospectus, a regional showcase featuring more than £1.4 billion of investment opportunities designed to attract investors, developers and partners to the area.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:

“As a civic university, we are committed to creating opportunities for local people and supporting the long-term success of our region. Alongside educating future talent and driving research and innovation, the University of Brighton contributes directly to Sussex’s economy through sustained investment, partnerships and collaboration.

"By working with partners across the Gatwick region at UKREiiF, we can help shape a South East that is greener, fairer and better connected, with the skills, research and innovation needed for the future economy.”

At UKREiiF, the University of Brighton highlighted how universities can act as engines for inclusive economic growth through research, skills development, innovation support and regional collaboration.

The university also highlighted its growing focus on retaining economic value within Sussex through local procurement and investment. Over the past five years, more than £38 million of the university’s operational spend was directed into the Sussex economy, while the proportion of locally directed capital investment has increased significantly in recent years.

The University of Brighton’s involvement at UKREiiF followed the recent launch of its Civic University Agreement with partners across Sussex, which sets out a shared commitment to improving opportunities for local residents and ensuring education, research and innovation respond to the region’s future needs.

By joining forces with regional partners at UKREiiF, the University of Brighton helped demonstrate how coordinated leadership, rooted in local knowledge and backed by strong partnerships, can turn investment into lasting economic and social value for the South East.