When people think of Crawley, they often think of its proximity to Gatwick Airport and with good reason.

Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the UK, handling millions of passengers and thousands of tonnes of freight every year. But for local business owners, this isn’t just a convenient travel hub, it’s a huge opportunity.

At Curve Accountancy, we work with many businesses based in Crawley and the surrounding areas. One question that comes up again and again is:

“Does being near Gatwick actually make a difference to my business?”

The answer is: it depends on what you do but for certain business models, Gatwick can be a major growth advantage.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What types of businesses benefit most from being near Gatwick
• The unique opportunities that come with a Crawley location
• What to consider if you’re thinking of setting up here
  

✈️ Why Gatwick Matters for Business

Being near a major international airport isn’t just about flights. It’s about access, reputation, and logistics.

Here’s what Gatwick offers:

• Direct flights to over 150 destinations
• 30-minute train to central London
• Rapid road access via the M23 and M25
• Heavy freight and courier activity
• A transient population of travellers, workers, and crew
  

Pair that with Crawley’s lower commercial rent, growing infrastructure, and local workforce, and you have a unique formula for business success, especially in the following sectors:

1. Logistics & Distribution

Who it suits:

• E-commerce brands
• Courier companies
• Warehousing & fulfilment services
• Last-mile delivery firms

Why Gatwick works:

Being located in Crawley or near Manor Royal means you’re right in the middle of a highly active distribution corridor, with freight flowing in and out of Gatwick and along the M23 every day.

The airport also attracts global supply chain operations, making it easier for smaller companies to plug into bigger networks.

2. Travel & Hospitality

Who it suits:

• Hotels and guesthouses
• Airport parking providers
• Travel concierge services
• Executive transport companies
• Short-term lets (Airbnb/Serviced apartments)

Why Gatwick works:

The sheer number of travellers passing through Gatwick creates non-stop demand for overnight stays, parking, and logistics services.

Crawley is also home to many Gatwick flight crews and airport staff, who drive demand for short-term accommodation and reliable service providers.

Businesses in this sector often deal with high cash flow and seasonal fluctuations. We help clients manage cash reserves and claim appropriate allowable expenses, especially for vehicle fleets, fuel, and staff costs.

3. International Business & Consulting

Who it suits:

• Business consultants
• International service providers
• Remote-first or hybrid companies
• Freelancers with overseas clients

Why Gatwick works:

Being near an airport makes it easy to fly out for client meetings, attend overseas conferences, or manage projects in multiple countries without having to base yourself in London.

And let’s be honest: when your business card says "based near Gatwick" instead of "somewhere in the Midlands", it sounds more connected.

4. Import/Export & Product-Based Businesses

Who it suits:

• Wholesalers
• Import/export agents
• Niche product manufacturers
• Fashion and consumer goods brands

Why Gatwick works:

Gatwick handles high volumes of cargo, and the supporting infrastructure makes it a faster, cheaper base for product movement than inner London.

Being in Crawley means quicker access to:

• Freight forwarders
• Customs agents
• Export hubs
• Bonded warehouses

5. Recruitment & Temporary Staffing Agencies

Who it suits:

• Temp and agency staffing firms
• Contractors working in aviation, construction, logistics
• Healthcare or hospitality staffing companies

Why Gatwick works:

The airport and associated sectors constantly require temporary, flexible labour especially in hospitality, cleaning, security, ground support, and maintenance.

Recruitment firms based in Crawley are ideally positioned to supply labour both to the airport itself and to hundreds of local suppliers and contractors.

Businesses with fluctuating payrolls and contractor payments benefit from advisory-led accounting. We can help you forecast, budget, and stay compliant with PAYE and subcontractor rules (CIS, IR35, etc).

6. Events, Media & Creative Services

Who it suits:

• Videographers and content creators
• Event planners
• AV hire and production teams
• Creative agencies

Why Gatwick works:

Many large international events use Gatwick as a hub either for UK-based corporate meetings or as a stopping point before travelling to Europe or further abroad.

Creative and events professionals near Gatwick can market themselves as:

• "On-demand, fast-response" providers
• Strategically located for filming, exhibitions or press launches

If you can be in Paris, Berlin or Milan by lunchtime and back in Crawley by bedtime you’ve got a serious competitive edge.

Our Take: Should You Base Your Business in Crawley?

We’ve worked with hundreds of small business owners across the South East, and Crawley consistently stands out for three reasons:

1. Access to London and international markets without the London price tag
2. A strong, skilled workforce with roots in logistics, aviation, retail, and services
3. Local authority support for small businesses and new commercial space
   

But that doesn’t mean Crawley is right for every business. That’s why we always suggest thinking strategically:

• Does your business rely on easy travel or freight?
• Do you serve international clients or need quick access to London?
• Could you benefit from proximity to large corporate employers at Gatwick?

If the answer to any of these is yes, Crawley deserves a closer look.

Final Thoughts

Crawley isn’t just a satellite town for Gatwick it’s a growing business centre in its own right. If you're thinking about launching, relocating, or growing a business near Gatwick, this area offers huge potential.