Plans outlining how the West of England’s defence sector can support the UK’s economy and unlock opportunities for Britain overseas have been launched in Westminster.
The Great South West – the pan-regional partnership spanning Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset – unveiled the region’s first defence prospectus this week ahead of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review.
The document highlights how the West Country can play a critical role in delivering national security and driving growth. The South West already contributes £2.8bn in defence-related GVA and supports over 61,000 highly skilled jobs.
The prospectus explains how the region can help expand domestic manufacturing capacity; accelerate innovation in defence technology; scale up workforce talent within the industry; and unlock export opportunities.
Neil Skelland, director of business development at Atlas Elektronik and chair of the Great South West Defence & Security Programme Board, said the prospectus highlighted the “strength of the Great South West as the UK’s premier defence region”.
He said: “We are home to the expertise, innovation, skills, science and infrastructure to provide an engine for growth. We can spread prosperity, boost industrial resilience and deter adversaries by leveraging the defence opportunities in the Great South West.”
The West of England is home to Devonport, Europe’s largest naval base, as well as world-leading aerospace and cyber clusters, major advanced manufacturing hubs, and world-class defence primes and supply chain businesses.
Among the defence businesses based in the region is aerospace company Leonardo Helicopters, in Yeovil. Clive Higgins, chair and chief executive of Leonardo UK, said: “The publication of this prospectus shines a light on the South West’s defence and security sector as an engine of economic prosperity, primed for further growth.”
Nick Ames, chief executive of military vehicle manufacturer Supacat, said: “This is an important document that illustrates the existing defence assets and capabilities in the region, identifying where economic growth can be guaranteed provided there is adequate investment and recognition.”
The launch of the prospectus comes as the Government outlines its ambition to strengthen the UK’s defence sector as a key pillar of the national Industrial Strategy to power up economic growth.
Steve Race MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Great South West, said: “The Great South West is the UK’s most strategically important region for defence.
“This prospectus sets out a bold vision for the region, and sends a clear message to Government and industry – ahead of the Strategic Defence Review, backing the South West is essential to strengthening national security, delivering economic growth, and securing the UK’s place as a global leader in defence innovation.”
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