Businesses in Dorset will benefit from better connections to emerging markets if Heathrow is granted expansion, the airport set out in a speech this week, hosted by the region’s Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking at the event, Neil Clark, Chief Information Officer at Heathrow, pledged that Heathrow would add 40 new routes to international markets, helping businesses throughout the UK connect to rapidly growing emerging economies in Asia, Latin America and North America.
The airport has set up a National Connectivity Task Force to develop policy proposals and recommendations for improving regional access to an expanded Heathrow. The group will include representatives of regional airports, Chambers of Commerce, LEPs, business people from around the UK and airlines.
The move follows a year of consultation with businesses across the UK, during which Chambers of Commerce across the country emphasised the central role transport connections play for business.
Neil Clark, Chief Information Officer at Heathrow said:
“Connections to international markets through Heathrow are critical to British businesses. As the UK’s only hub airport, we want to add up to 40 new long-haul, direct routes and improve our connectivity to UK regions, including Dorset. We believe that our National Connectivity Task Force will help determine the needs of the regions and shape our proposed expansion plans.”
Ian Girling, Chief Executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry said:
"The focus of our discussions has been around international business - the UK clearly needs a hub airport to compete at a global level with other hub airports in Europe and the Middle East. If we don't do this now, then the UK will continue to fall behind and lose out to other developing hub airports and world-leading economies.
“An expanded Heathrow with improved connectivity to international growth and developing markets around the world would be a great boost for businesses in Dorset.
“In addition to connecting businesses to growth markets, expanding and developing Heathrow would also provide supply chain development opportunities for businesses. As a Chamber we would be keen to support supply chain development to provide opportunities for Dorset businesses. “
Heathrow submitted its refined plans for a third runway to the Airports Commission in May following discussions with local residents and local businesses, the public, businesses around the country, passengers, airlines and elected representatives across the UK’s nations and regions. Heathrow is the UK’s only hub and the only option that will connect the whole of the UK to new emerging economies, bringing jobs and prosperity to the country. It is deliverable, fundable and will create a world-class global gateway to make Britain proud.
