‘Most strategically important region for defence’
A newly published Defence Prospectus highlights the key role being played by the south west in the UK’s national security.
The report was launched at an event attended by politicians and business leaders. Produced by The Great South West, it was released ahead of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review.
The Great South West says that the region is ‘uniquely positioned’ to ‘drive forward’ government ambitions as the area is central to key military assets and hosts major parts of the defence sector.
It says the defence industry across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset supports more than 61,000 highly skilled jobs.
‘The Defence Prospectus highlights the strength of the Great South West as the UK’s premier defence region,’ says Neil Skelland, Director of Business Development at Atlas Elektronik and Chair of the Great South West Defence & Security Programme Board.
‘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 region 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.
‘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,’ says Clive Higgins, Chair and CEO of Leonardo UK, Headline Partner of the launch event.
South West: ‘specialist skills, expertise and infrastructure’
‘A base for primes including Leonardo, the Home of British Helicopters, a diverse range of SMEs such as WholeShip, and collaborative spaces like the Defence BattleLab and iAero, the South West has the specialist skills, expertise and infrastructure necessary to grow our economy while protecting our national security.’
The report outlines how the South West is poised to expand domestic manufacturing capacity which is expected to reduce reliance on international imports. It’s envisaged this will strengthen the UK’s supply chain.
Tan Dhesi MP speaking at the recent event attended by politicians and business leaders. Image provided by Program.
It also explains how the south west can accelerate innovation in defence technology, supporting research in the cybersecurity, AI and aerospace sectors.
‘We are delighted to be the Supporting Partner for the Great South West’s event to launch the region’s first Defence Prospectus,’ explains Nick Ames, CEO of Supacat, Supporting Partner of the event.
‘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.’
‘As an SME in the region we are proud to be part of that mix, contributing to the nation’s security and the region’s prosperity by ensuring that 85% of our materials are procured from within the region, and recruiting and training our staff from the local community.’
‘Our international customer base also enormously enhances our ability to create growth in the region. We commend this document to the Members of Parliament and wider stakeholders, as a clear statement of intent and capability from the region.’
‘The UK’s most strategically important region for defence’
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.
‘The Great South West is the UK’s most strategically important region for defence,’ says Steve Race MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Great South West.
‘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.’
The report also examines workforce development to ‘ensure the UK has the specialist talent needed to deliver national defence priorities.’ It also looks at unlocking export opportunities.
The Great South West Partnership has previously organised key events highlighting the role of the region on the national stage.