UK's EEF The Manufacturers Organisation responded (30-Jun-2016) to the government's deferral of a decision for capacity expansion in the South East. EEF research found:
78% of manufacturers with a business need for air freight access say that expansion of Heathrow would best support their company’s export ambitions;
53% of all manufacturers think that additional capacity at Heathrow would deliver the best economic benefits to the wider UK – compared to 13% saying the same of Gatwick;
Manufacturers also rate Heathrow more highly than Gatwick for its ability to attract airlines offering the best business connectivity to both traditional and emerging markets.
Given where manufacturing is mostly located, good to see some strong support for LHR.