Gatwick Diamond: The Power of Place
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Gatwick Diamond: The Power of Place is a brand-new half day conference showcasing why the Gatwick Diamond is a region to be proud of and a powerful place to do business.
Designed to promote the strength, diversity and ambition of our regional economy, the event will bring together business leaders and decision makers to explore what truly sets the Gatwick Diamond apart and why it continues to be one of the UK’s most competitive and connected business destinations.
Taking place on the 2nd July at Wilton Park, the conference will feature a curated programme of guest speakers alongside a vibrant trade stand area highlighting businesses from across the Diamond. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build new relationships as networking continues over a relaxed buffet lunch in stunning surroundings. Whether you are already rooted in the Gatwick Diamond or looking to invest, grow or connect, The Power of Place is an essential date for your diary.
Date: 2nd July 2026
Time: 08:30-14:30
Venue: Wilton Park, Wiston House, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3DZ (HOW TO FIND THE VENUE)
Our Host
Richard Freeman founded Always Possible in 2015 and is a specialist in leadership, the future of work, education, social entrepreneurship and UK towns/city ecosystems.
Always Possible has become a key strategic economic and social innovation agency in Sussex, Essex, Kent, Surrey, London and the West Midlands – leading research projects, programming skills and tech festivals, and advising public and private sector clients on sustainable growth.
With over 20 years experience, Richard works across sectors to humanise complex ideas into impactful projects. His background spans education, government, creative industries and business strategy.
As host of The Brighton Paradox, The Possibility Club and Sussex and The City podcasts, he has interviewed hundreds of leading CEOs, politicians, artists, scientists, activists and academics about the future of our changing social and digital economy.
Richard was a free school meals and widening participation child, raised by a single teenage mum, who was the first in her family to go to college. He lived in eight houses and attended five schools in Dorset, Essex, Cambridge and Brighton before the age of 16. This has led to a life-long interest in social mobility and the mechanics of how UK towns and cities can be flourishing places for everyone that lives and works in them.
Speakers:
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Wayne Hemmingway MBE is a British designer with an international reputation for projects encompassing strong community and social content through HemmingwayDesign, a medium sized, family owened, multi-disciplinary B Corp focused on place, people and positive social impact.
Wayne and his wife and Co-Founder, Geradine Hemingway started the multi award winning Red or Dead fashion brand, a groundbreaking global brand with 23 shops worldwide, which they sold in 1999.
Over the last 25 years, HemingwayDesign has worked with a variety of clients across most disciplines and sectors including The National Trust, TFL, Argent, Landsec Southbank Centre and Media City, and has worked with over 40 local authorities across the UK on visions, urban design, town centre regeneration, coastal regeneration, place making, place brands and festivals.
Some notable projects that HemingwayDesign have either led or played a role in include Dreamland Margate, Kings Cross Regeneration, The Greenwich Penisula, Media City, The National Festival of Making, First Light Lowestoft, The Straiths South Bank.
The Power of Place
Wayne Hemingway MBE will introduce “The Power of Place” by exploring how thoughtful, people-focused design can transform towns and cities. Drawing on decades of experience across regeneration, placemaking, place branding and cultural programming, he will show how places can create lasting social and economic impact when co-created by communities and rooted in local identity.
Using examples from projects including town centre visioning in Andover, place projects in Margate ,Salford and York and major cultural events such as the National Festival of Making and First Light Festival, Wayne will demonstrate what effective placemaking looks like in practice.
Attendees will gain insight into:
- The importance of community-led, authentic placemaking
- How place branding, design and activation work together
- The role of culture and events in driving footfall and identity
- Practical approaches to creating vibrant, resilient places
Trade Stands:
Meet Our Sponsor:
We support ambitious businesses at every stage to protect, grow and adapt – with sharp legal thinking, sector-specific insight, and a clear focus on results. With a strong and long-established presence in the Gatwick Diamond, our Gatwick, Brighton, and Chichester offices are backed by a network of locations up and down the UK – and overseas through trusted international connections. Whether you’re scaling up, entering new markets or navigating change, we bring clarity, legal precision and a focus on outcomes that create real advantage. We make law work as a driver of business success.
FAQS
Who can attend?
This event is open to everyone! Whether you're a gdb member or not, you are very welcome to join us. Simply purchase a non-member ticket.
Can I use inclusive credit to attend?
Yes. If you are a Plus or Champion member and have remaining inclusive credit you can use it to book up to 2 tickets to this event. If you're not sure how much inclusive credit you have left, please email erin@gatwickdiamondbusiness.com who can advise.
What is inclusive credit?
Inclusive credit is a benefit of our Plus and Champion members. As part of your membership you will have an amount of credit to use towards our events. If you're not yet a member or would like to discuss upgrading your membership please contact mandi@gatwickdiamondbusiness.com.
What are my transport options?
Free parking is available on site, if you're driving to the event you will need to provide your number plate in advance for security regions (this will be a question on the booking form). Alternatively the nearest rail stations are Horsham (25 minute taxi) or Shoreham by Sea (20 minutes).
What is your cancellation policy?
No cancellations will be accepted after 2nd June 2026. After this date, ticket transfers will be fine but unfortunately no refund will be offered.
Question not listed? Please contact keeley@gatwickdiamondbusiness.com or call the office for assistance on 01293 440088.
