On 12 November, join the policymakers, investors, developers and businesses shaping that delivery to explore opportunities in the Capital’s southern growth gateway.
Explore:
Croydon is delivering.
A city-sized London borough connecting the UK’s two most economically successful regions – London and the South East – Croydon combines unmatched connectivity with a leading position in four national growth sectors.
Join the Invest in Croydon Conference to hear from the people shaping that future and discover why Croydon represents one of London’s most compelling investment opportunities.
What We Will Cover
At this year’s conference explore:
Transport and Infrastructure
How investment in Croydon’s transport hub will help unlock an estimated £5.1 billion of economic value and support long-term growth across the region.
Regional Growth Opportunity
Croydon’s role within the Gatwick Airport Economic Zone, which already contributes 7% of UK GDP and is set for further expansion through Gatwick’s proposed northern runway.
Investment Pipeline
With more than £1.2 billion secured over the past four years, learn about the next wave of development and investment opportunities across the borough.
Innovation and Enterprise
Home to a business economy with a GVA comparable to the UK’s leading cities, Croydon continues to attract ambitious companies, creative talent and entrepreneurs.
Hear From the People Shaping Croydon’s Future
Our speakers include local authority representatives and key decision-makers, Croydon-based businesses, investors, venture capitalists, developers, agents, regeneration specialists and industry leaders. Expect honest conversations, new perspectives, and insights to provide a transparent view on Croydon’s future and the potential it aims to achieve.
Adam Smith
Strategic Development Director, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW)
Alex Riley
Programme Manager – Economy, Grow in Kent
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Alex is a Strategic Programme Manager at Kent County Council, overseeing Invest Kent and Visit Kent. He supports inward investment, the visitor economy and wider economic growth across Kent and Medway, including the Local Growth Plan.
Colin Francis
CEO and Co-founder, LabCycle
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Colin is the CEO and Co-founder of LabCycle, the first company in the world to recycle contaminated lab plastic waste, and was named Cleantech Start-Up of the Year at the UK Start-Up Awards. Colin is a Trustee and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UP, supporting Croydon’s start-up ecosystem.
Professor Donna Whitehead
Vice-Chancellor, University of Brighton
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Professor Donna Whitehead is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton. Guided by the University’s Distinctively Brighton 2035 strategy, Donna has focused on building an ambitious, equitable and sustainable university that changes lives through education, research and knowledge exchange.
Emma Hatch
Development Director, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
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Emma is a Development Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, shaping Croydon town centre’s transformation. Previously at Places for London and The Church Commissioners, she specialises in development, ESG, asset management and partnerships – creating sustainable places that bring economic and community value.
Mayor Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
Julie Kapsalis MBE
Co-chair, Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone
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Julie is Co-Chair of the Interim Strategic Advisory Board for the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone. She is also the CEO & Principal of Nescot and was awarded an MBE in 2026 for economic development in her previous role as the Chair of the Coast to Capital LEP.
Julia Groat
Project Director, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
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Julia is a Project Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, leading mixed-use development and regeneration projects across the UK. An architect with 15+ years’ experience, she is driven by a belief that innovation, emerging technologies and bold thinking can reimagine the future of cities.
Mark Easton
Conference Chair
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Mark Easton is an award-winning broadcaster and author, a familiar face and voice on British television and radio for more than 40 years. He has written extensively on the UK, including in his books ‘Britain etc.’ (2012) and ‘Islands’ (2023). A new book, provisionally entitled ‘Brits’, is currently in production.
As the BBC’s Home Editor from 2004 until 2025, Mark provided news coverage, analysis and broad perspective on the major events affecting Britain. Before that, he was the Home and Social Affairs Editor at Channel 4 News and Political Editor at Channel 5 News. Mark started his career as a cub reporter on his local paper in Southampton in 1978.
Mark is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, a Senior Fellow of the National Centre for Social Research, a Governor of the National institute of Economic and Social Research and member of Westminster Abbey’s Council of Reference.
Mardi Roberts
Visitor Economy Representative and Interim Chair of the Sussex & Brighton Local Visitor Economy Partnership; Director at Ridgeview Estate Winery
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Mardi is a member of the founding family of Ridgeview, the acclaimed English sparkling wine producer in Sussex. Passionate about wine tourism and hospitality, she positions Sussex as a centre of excellence for visitor experiences. She is on the Gatwick Airport Economic Zone Task Force.
Natasha Irons MP
Member of Parliament for Croydon East
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Natasha Irons is Labour MP for Croydon East and Chair of the APPG for Youth Affairs. She has introduced the Youth Services Bill, served as a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, and led a sustained campaign to restart the Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS).
Pierre-Hugues Schmit
Chief Executive, London Gatwick
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Pierre-Hugues Schmit joined London Gatwick as Chief Executive in September 2025. Prior to joining London Gatwick, he was Chief Commercial and Operational Officer at VINCI Airports, a role he held since 2017. In this role, he oversaw operations across the entire VINCI Airports portfolio, which comprises 70 airports in 14 countries and serves over 300 million passengers, managing a wide range of activities from airport operations to air service development and cargo.
Pierre-Hugues also worked for the French Civil Aviation Authority for seven years, including three years as Head of the French Airlines Department from 2006 to 2009. Between 2010 and 2012, he served as an adviser to the French Transport Minister and later joined Aéroports de Paris as Deputy Director of the Le Bourget division. In 2014, alongside three partners, he co-founded La Compagnie, a French airline based in Paris and offering business class services to New York.
Richard Lennard
Economic and Community Partnerships Manager, London Gatwick
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Richard is Economic and Community Partnerships Manager at London Gatwick, working with stakeholders to ensure that the airport is a partner and advocate for a thriving resilient economy. He is Co-Chair of the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone Interim Strategic Advisory Board.
Gus Wiseman
Director UK Product, PATRIZIA
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Gus is a former UK Government investment advisor in No.10 and HM Treasury. At PATRIZIA, he deploys capital into housing and social infrastructure, often through public partnerships.
Sammy Shummo
Group Director of Business Engagement, Skills & Training, LSBU Group
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Sammy is Group Director of Business Engagement, Skills & Training at LSBU Group, leading employer engagement, workforce development and skills partnerships to align education and training with workforce needs and driving economic growth.
Sarah Parsons
Director Planning and Sustainable Regeneration, Croydon Council
The Sooner the Better
Register early to take advantage of our early bird pricing.
Your ticket includes:
✓
Access to the whole one-day conference
✓
The opportunity to hear from local authority representatives, businesses and stakeholders driving Croydon regeneration
✓
Priority to book a breakout session, meet the planner and/or investor tour
✓
Networking at the coffee break, lunch and drinks reception
Partner / member note: Develop Croydon Forum members receive preferential access and pricing. If you are not yet a member and would like to find out more, contact the Forum Secretary.
The Invest in Croydon Conference Brings Together:
- Institutional investors and fund managers evaluating large-scale commercial and residential opportunities
- Property developers with active or planned schemes in the borough
- Corporate executives and site selectors considering Croydon for relocation or expansion
- Policymakers, planners and public-sector leaders shaping the investment environment
- Business leaders, anchor occupiers and strategic partners already invested in Croydon’s future
Attending Gives You Access To:
- The most comprehensive annual presentation of Croydon’s development pipeline and investment case
- Direct introductions to developers, landowners and public-sector decision-makers
- Panels and Q&A with senior figures from investment, planning, transport and the creative economy
- Site showcases presenting specific development and commercial opportunities
- The Develop Croydon Forum network of more than 65 businesses and organisations active in the borough
Conference Programme
Find the latest version of the programme below. Keep visiting to view its evolution.
09:00
Registration and Networking
09:15 – 09:20
Welcome from the Chair
Mark Easton is an award-winning broadcaster and author, a familiar face and voice on British television and radio for more than 40 years. As our chair, returning after eight years, he will lead the conference with expertise gained as the BBC’s Home Editor from 2004 to 2025. Let’s discuss, debate and engage Croydon’s future.
Speaker
Mark Easton
Conference Chair
09:20 – 09:35
From Opportunity to Delivery
Speaker
Mayor Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
09:35 – 09:45
Gatwick for Growth – Driving Investment and Supporting Skills and Employability in Croydon
Speaker
Pierre-Hugues Schmit
Chief Executive Officer, London Gatwick
09:45 – 09:55
Speaker to Be Announced
09:55 – 10:05
Q&A Session
This is your opportunity to engage directly with our keynote speakers, ask the questions that matter most, and explore how we can turn ambition into action.
10:05 – 10:50
Greater Croydon: The Capital’s Southern Growth Gateway
As investment decisions become increasingly driven by the strength of local economies rather than property opportunities alone, successful places are those able to demonstrate a compelling combination of talent, innovation, connectivity, sustainability and quality of life.
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Croydon is uniquely positioned at the intersection of three powerful economic geographies – Central London, the South London economy and the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone. With exceptional transport connectivity, one of London’s largest commercial centres, a growing innovation ecosystem and access to a diverse skilled workforce, the borough is emerging as the capital’s southern growth gateway and a focal point for investment across the wider region.
This discussion will explore what makes places genuinely investable in today’s economy and how Croydon can leverage its strategic position to attract businesses, talent and long-term capital. Rather than focusing solely on development opportunities, the panel will consider the wider ingredients that create sustainable economic growth and competitive advantage.
Speakers Include
Julie Kapsalis
Co-Chair, Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone
Paul Kett
Group CEO and Vice-Chancellor, London South Bank University
Adam Smith
Strategic Development Director, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW)
10:50 – 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:15
Investment Opportunities: What’s Next?
Croydon is building on strong regeneration momentum, with major investment already underway and an exciting pipeline of future opportunities. This panel will explore what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and why Croydon continues to offer compelling opportunities for investors, developers and businesses.
Speakers Include
Sarah Parsons
Director Planning and Sustainable Regeneration, Croydon Council
Gus Wiseman
Director UK Product, PATRIZIA
12:15 – 12:25
Economic Outlook
12:25 – 14:00
Lunch and Networking
Our lunchtime programme offers delegates the chance to connect, explore and gain deeper insight into Croydon’s transformation.
Take part in a town centre walking tour (12:45-13:15) to experience the borough’s regeneration and investment opportunities first-hand.
Alternatively, join a Meet the Planner one-to-one session and speak directly with the people shaping Croydon’s planning policy, gaining a clearer understanding of what is possible and where future opportunities lie.
You can also attend the Croydon Secret Sauce fireside chat, offering a more personal perspective on the borough through the experiences of the business leaders who choose to locate in Croydon.
Speaker
Colin
CEO and co-founder, LabCycle
14:00 – 14:30
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield: Update on the Regeneration of the Town Centre
Speakers Include
Emma Hatch
Development Director, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Julia Groat
Project Director, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
14:30 – 15:15
Croydon as a Destination: Unlocking the Visitor Economy
A thriving visitor and experience economy plays an important role in attracting investment, supporting local businesses and creating vibrant places where people want to live, work and spend time.
Read more
This panel will explore how Croydon can strengthen its visitor economy by building on its connectivity, cultural assets and proximity to international gateways such as London Gatwick. Bringing together leaders from across tourism, hospitality, culture and business, the discussion will consider how collaboration and investment can enhance Croydon’s profile, attract visitors and deliver wider economic benefits.
Speakers Include
Richard Lennard
Economic and Community Partnerships Manager, London Gatwick
Alex Riley
Programme Manager, Kent County Council
14:30 – 15:15
Connected Croydon
Transport and infrastructure are central to Croydon’s future growth and long-term success.
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As one of London’s key strategic centres, Croydon must strengthen connections not only into Central London but also to the major economic opportunities emerging both north and south. With the fully approved Northern Runway at London Gatwick, the continued expansion of Luton Airport, and the arrival of Universal Studios, the economic geography of the South East is changing.
Croydon is uniquely positioned to act as the gateway between these major growth corridors, and improving connectivity will be essential to unlocking investment, supporting new homes and jobs, and maximising the benefits of these nationally significant developments.
This panel will explore the transport and infrastructure priorities needed to position Croydon at the heart of these changing regional dynamics. Speakers will discuss how improved rail, tram, road and active travel networks, alongside stronger strategic partnerships, can enhance connectivity, unlock regeneration and ensure Croydon continues to play a pivotal role in connecting London with the wider South East.
Speakers Include
Natasha Irons MP
MP for Croydon East
James Craig
Lead Strategic Planner, Network Rail
14:30 – 15:15
Skills for Growth: Building the Workforce That Will Power Croydon’s Future Economy
As Croydon enters a new phase of investment and regeneration, ensuring businesses have access to the right skills will be fundamental to sustaining economic growth.
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From construction and digital technologies to life sciences, green industries, advanced manufacturing and the visitor economy, the jobs of the future will require new capabilities, stronger collaboration and a more agile education system.
This session will explore how education providers, employers and public sector partners can work together to build a workforce that is equipped for the opportunities emerging across Croydon, South London and the wider Gatwick Region.
Speakers Include
Sammy Shummo
Group Director of Business Engagement, Skills & Training, London South Bank University
Professor Donna Whitehead
Group Director of Business Engagement, Skills & Training, London South Bank University
15:15 – 15:25
Reconvene
15:25 – 15:40
Closing Reflections
15:40 – 15:45
Chair’s Closing Remarks
16:00 – 17:30
Drinks Reception
Together, we will explore what Croydon’s next chapter looks like, and what needs to happen to unlock the biggest opportunities for investment and delivery.
The Invest in Croydon Conference will be the start of, and a catalyst for, those conversations and I hope that you will join me and share your perspective about Croydon’s next chapter.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
What We Will Cover
Regeneration in Delivery
Mayor Jason Perry’s vision for Croydon’s town centre and beyond — the progress made, the pipeline ahead and the confidence that comes from continuity of leadership.
Investment Opportunities
Major schemes across the borough, from town centre regeneration to strategic industrial and residential development.
Strengthening Connectivity
Croydon is uniquely positioned to act as the gateway between Central London and the South East. How will the impact of the Northern Runway at London Gatwick alongside other regional dynamics help to unlock investment supporting new homes and jobs. Croydon is a leading player in four of the government’s eight Industrial Strategy priority sectors with a housing pipeline that makes Croydon one of the GLA’s top delivery boroughs.
Croydon as a Destination
A thriving visitor and experience economy plays an important role in attracting investment. We will explore how Croydon can strengthen its visitor economy by building on its connectivity, cultural assets and proximity to international gateways such as London Gatwick.
Skills for Growth
From construction and digital technologies to life sciences, green industries, advanced manufacturing and the visitor economy, the jobs of the future will require new capabilities, stronger collaboration and a more agile education system to build a workforce that is equipped for the opportunities emerging across Croydon, South London and the wider Gatwick Region.
Our Partners
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available at the Invest in Croydon Conference. To discuss packages, contact the Develop Croydon team.
Headline Partners
Supporting Partners
TBXH at Sunley House
How to get there
TBXH at Sunley House, 4 Bedford Park, Croydon
By Car
Sunley House has 6 guest parking spaces available to book for £5 per day. As spaces are limited, we recommend contacting the venue in advance to check availability and reserve a space.
Additional public parking is available nearby, including Ruskin Square Car Park (4-minute walk) and Whitgift Car Park (8-minute walk).
Please note that Croydon is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). For more information about driving in the ULEZ, visit the Croydon Council website. To check whether your vehicle meets ULEZ standards, please use Transport for London’s vehicle checker.
By Train
TBXH at Sunley House is conveniently located between East Croydon and West Croydon. Both stations are a 7-minute walk from the venue.
West Croydon is also serviced by the London Overground (Windrush line). The service from Highbury & Islington to West Croydon includes 21 stops. Key interchange and major stops along this route include Highbury & Islington, Whitechapel, Canada Water, New Cross Gate, Norwood Junction, and West Croydon.
By Bus
The closest bus stop to TBXH at Sunley House is Lunar House (Stop WH) on Wellesley Road in Croydon, served by bus routes 50, 194, 198, and night bus N68. In the opposite direction, the closest bus stop is Delta Point / West Croydon Station (Wellesley Road). It is directly served by Transport for London bus routes 50, 468, and the night bus N68.
Check your transport tracker for other routes.
By Tram
The closest tram stops to TBXH at Sunley House are Centrale on Tamworth Road (about 0.2 miles away), West Croydon (about 0.2 miles away), and Wellesley Road.
Check your transport tracker for other routes.
The Flagship Annual Event of the Develop Croydon Forum
The Invest in Croydon Conference is the flagship annual event of the Develop Croydon Forum, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company of more than 65 businesses and organisations promoting Croydon as a place to invest, work and live.
The conference is supported by Mayor Jason Perry and delivered in partnership with Croydon Borough Council and our strategic partners. It is the primary annual platform for showcasing Croydon’s investment case to the audiences who can act on it.