WE WANT TO ENSURE HEATHROW’S SUCCESS BENEFITS THE WIDER HILLINGDON

ECONOMY’

Nigel Milton, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Heathrow Airport, talks to Sarah Dale about being a collaborative and transparent leader and Heathrow’s push to be an “extraordinary airport fit for the future”.

More than £200 billion worth of goods is processed through Heathrow every year, which is greater than Felixstowe, Southampton and the Eurotunnel combined.

“Heathrow plays a role no other UK airport can,” says Nigel Milton, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Heathrow Airport.

“Unmatched global connections from Heathrow enable exporters from across the country to get their world-class goods into global marketplaces to help grow their businesses. That’s why businesses large and small; Chambers of Commerce in every region and nation; and countless other organisations support and rely on us.”

Heathrow is also a key part of the local business community and is a member of Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce to strengthen connections in the area and increase opportunities for collaboration.

“Hillingdon’s diverse business network, from small enterprises to major corporations, plays a vital role in our region’s economy,” he says.

“Through the Chamber, we engage with local businesses, understand their challenges and collaborate on solutions. Events like the Heathrow Business Summit and Heathrow’s Lift Off Programme allow us to support local suppliers, create jobs and invest in the community, ensuring Heathrow’s success benefits the wider business ecosystem.

“The Chamber provides a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing and advocacy, ensuring we hear the voice of our local business community. SMEs are the backbone of the UK’s economy. Of the 1,100 businesses in our supply chain, 750 are SMEs, accounting for 60 per cent of our supplier base. Engaging with local suppliers and stakeholders through Chamber events has helped us expand our supply chain and drive economic growth.

“The Chamber also fosters a sense of community, aligning businesses around shared goals. Our membership reinforces our commitment to supporting local enterprises, job creation and sustainable development in Hillingdon.”

Nigel says that uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges – whether from economic shifts, regulatory changes or evolving customer needs – as well as talent acquisition and retention.

“Strong business networks, like the Chamber, help navigate these challenges by encouraging idea-sharing and problemsolving,” he adds.

“Businesses must invest in skills development to stay competitive. At Heathrow, we focus on workforce training and apprenticeships to bridge skills gaps, ensuring businesses and colleagues alike can thrive in an ever-changing landscape.”

As Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, Nigel believes in “collaborative and transparent leadership”.

“A strong team is essential for success, so I encourage open communication and idea-sharing. People perform best when they feel valued and informed, which is why we encourage a culture of engagement at Heathrow through meetings and informal discussions. Leading by example is also key – demonstrating commitment to innovation, sustainability and community engagement sets the tone for the organisation. Empowering colleagues to take the initiative and drive change ensures we continuously improve and adapt to new challenges.”

Nigel has some good advice for people starting out in business, a key one being to build strong relationships and networks, which he says is essential.

“No business succeeds in isolation –networks like the Hillingdon Chamber of

Commerce provide support, mentorship and opportunities for collaboration. Adaptability is also crucial, as markets and customer expectations constantly evolve. Listening to feedback, staying informed about industry trends, and being open to change will help a business grow. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced professionals, attend workshops and partner with others. Success takes time, and having a strong support system makes the journey easier and more rewarding.”

Heathrow’s role “is more important than ever” and the airport continues to make “significant” investments to keep up with growing passenger demand and as part of its vision of being an “extraordinary airport fit for the future”.

“There is a national mission and drive for growth,” he says.

“Improving living standards and creating opportunities will mean a better quality of life for every community.

“To deliver growth, the UK needs to boost exports, inbound tourism and inward investment. And show the world that the UK is open for business.

“Through partnerships with the Chamber and Hillingdon Council, we want to ensure Heathrow’s success benefits the wider Hillingdon economy. Whether through skills training, apprenticeships or infrastructure improvements, our goal is to be a world-class airport that drives long-term prosperity for local businesses and residents alike.”