About The CBA

Powering Crawley’s Business Future. Together.

The Crawley Business Association (CBA) exists to unite, uplift, and empower our borough’s extraordinary business community. From retail to real estate, logistics to live entertainment, Crawley/Gatwick Diamond is home to over 45,000 businesses, each contributing to a thriving, resilient local economy. At CBA, we bring those businesses together to build a shared future grounded in innovation, inclusion, and economic prosperity for all.

Key Highlights:

  • Member-only networking events

  • Business support and funding resources

  • Promotion through our digital platforms

  • Access to the Croydon business directory

  • Strong partnerships with local government and institutions

 

👉 Join the CBA Today – Empower your business. Amplify your voice.
👉 Explore Upcoming Events – Connect with Crawey’s changemakers.
👉 Read Our Growth Plan Summary – See Crawley’s bold economic future.

Who We Are

The Crawley Business Association is the borough’s leading business alliance, a trusted partner and advocate for local enterprise. Whether you’re a startup, social enterprise, family-run shop, or a large employer, we exist to support your journey.

Our Mission:
To create a vibrant, inclusive business community that contributes to Crawley’s economic, cultural, and social renaissance.

Our Vision:
A thriving Crawley where businesses of all sizes and backgrounds prosper, collaborate, and drive growth, locally and globally.

Our Values:

  • Collaboration – We grow stronger together.

  • Diversity – We celebrate Crawley’s rich multicultural fabric.

  • Sustainability – We support eco-friendly and future-ready business.

  • Innovation – We champion the use of AI, tech, and digital solutions.

  • Equity – We ensure opportunity reaches all corners of our community.

Message from the Team:

“Crawley is rising, and the CBA is proud to be at the heart of this transformation. We’re here to help businesses grow, connect, and lead with confidence. Join us and be part of a borough that builds its future together.”
CBA Team

Crawey Culture

The Heartbeat of West Sussex

A Borough Built by Many, Belonging to All

Crawley isn’t just a place — it’s a powerful expression of community, creativity, and culture. As Gatwick diamonds largest borough by population, Crawley is a true microcosm of global diversity, where over 100 languages are spoken, and people of every background call it home.

From the buzz of West Crawley’s global street food, to the local market and the bold murals that colour our walls, Crawley pulses with energy, talent, and transformation.

🎨 Creative & Cultural Energy

About Crawley

Crawley is one of the South East's most economically significant towns, generating a disproportionate share of regional output for its size. Despite occupying just 2% of West Sussex land, Crawley produces 25% of the county's total economic output.

The borough holds the second-highest job density in the country outside London, with over 3,400 active businesses and a GVA of £5.863 billion as of 2023.

The town's economy is anchored by three key areas:

  • Manor Royal Business District - home to 600 businesses and 30,000 jobs, and one of the largest business districts in the South East
  • London Gatwick Airport - the world's busiest single-runway airport, providing 24,000 jobs and direct international connectivity
  • Crawley Town Centre - a growing hub for professional services and retail

Major employers include Virgin, Nestle, Thales, Siemens Healthineers, Boeing and Elekta, alongside a thriving community of smaller and independent businesses.

Specialist sectors include aerospace and aviation, health and life sciences, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing.

🍛 A Multicultural Mosaic

Crawley thrives because of its people. Our strength lies in our unity in diversity:

  • Rich South Asian heritage, with beloved temples, textiles, and thriving family businesses

  • African, Arab, East Asian, and Eastern European communities infuse our borough with language, flavour, faith, and festivals

Whether you're walking into a Ghanaian café, Tamil temple, Turkish grocer, or Polish deli, you’ll find yourself welcomed with pride, passion, and purpose.

🌱 Culture That Creates Opportunity

Culture in Crawley is not just about celebration, it's about creation:

  • Young entrepreneurs lead Crawey’s 24% surge in microbusiness growth

  • Creative tech, gaming, and immersive media are flourishing in our innovation corridors

  • Grassroots movements shape housing, education, and climate advocacy across the borough

This is a borough where culture meets commerce, and the CBA exists to make sure every business, no matter how small or culturally unique, has a seat at the table.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏾 Culture Drives Collaboration

The Crawley Business Association stands proudly at the intersection of business and borough identity. We work to ensure:

  • Culturally diverse businesses are empowered and elevated

  • Local talent is nurtured through partnerships

  • Every community feels represented in our events, training, and leadership

Crawley is not just where we do business - it’s who we are.