“Team UK” approach to unleash defence sector’s potential

This news announcement is edited but can be viewed in full here: Government and business put forward “Team UK” approach to unleash defence sector’s potential – GOV.UK 

Recommendations from the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce will outline key steps – including developing regional Defence Growth Deals – to ensure that working people benefit from the government’s move to increase defence spending. 

New opportunities for UK workers are already on the way with defence tech company Helsing announcing that it will open the UK’s first Resilience Factory this year in Plymouth.  

The UK technology company and its supply chain will create specialist high-value jobs in the South West and across the country, as Helsing doubles the size of its UK business. 

Helsing’s acceleration of its £350m Trinity House private investment will see it provide allied navies with AI-powered miniature submarines to protect critical underwater infrastructure. The advanced manufacturing facility will be based in Plymouth, as the new national centre of marine autonomy. 

The Taskforce’s recommendations were launched at a Ministry of Defence roundtable chaired by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Healey on 8th July. 

The report’s key recommendation is for a “Team UK” strategy to ensure the UK is globally competitive, driving innovation, jobs and prosperity across the UK, reforming procurement and contracting processes to grow the UK defence sector – in line with the Strategic Defence Review. 

It also recommends prioritising investment in “dual use” technologies that can be used for both civil and military purposes in the UK. 

The meeting comes as figures published last week show that 151,000 UK jobs are directly supported by the MOD’s spend with industry – an increase of 14,000 on the previous year. 

Ned Baker, UK Managing Director, Helsing: 

“Helsing supports the Government’s ambitions for our defences and economy. We are investing in both by opening the first UK Resilience Factory and accelerating our £350m commitment. 

“We have confidence in the Government’s commitment to new technological solutions for defence. Together, we can attract further private investment, equipping our Armed Forces and growing the economy.” 

The Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, said: 

“In a new era for defence, we are building a new partnership with the UK’s outstanding defence industry, with innovators and with investors. 

“We will equip our Armed Forces for the future and make defence an engine for economic growth through our Defence Industrial Strategy – unlocking investment, reforming procurement, championing innovation and backing companies of all sizes. 

“I welcome the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce’s report which recognises how we can boost high-skilled jobs across the country and grow our economy while strengthening our frontline forces.” 

For further information, please see the UK Government press release in full here: Government and business put forward “Team UK” approach to unleash defence sector’s potential – GOV.UK