Member Article

Government and defence partnership to support sector

A new partnership between the defence industry and government aims to exploit the potential links between civil and military technologies.

The Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) will look at the dynamic of the workforce, and how more flexibility between the defence and and manufacturing sectors might be achieved.

Co-chaired by Business Minister Michael Fallon and Steve Wadey, MD of missile systems firm MBDA, the DGP will continue to support the defence industry, encouraging SMEs in particular.

Business Minister Michael Fallon said: “The UK’s defence sector is world class – employing the latest technology and advanced engineering to products relied upon by armed forces around the world. In doing so, it provides many thousands of highly skilled jobs in the UK and is an important part of the nation’s industrial base.

“Along with other parts of the economy, the sector is facing tough times. This new partnership between government and industry will help address the barriers to growth for the sector.”

The Government say the UK’s defence industry contributes more than £22bn in annual revenues, of which £5.4bn is from exports.

Graham Chisnall, Deputy Chief Executive, ADS, said: “The launch of a Defence Growth Partnership, building on the growing success of the Aerospace Growth Partnership, is strongly welcomed and supported by ADS and our many hundreds of member companies large and small.

“The UK Defence sector is of profound importance to national security, equipping and supporting our Armed Forces and key Allies. It is also a major economic force, contributing over £22 billion of annual revenues to the UK, of which £5.4 billion are from exports, and maintaining directly over 107,000 highly skilled jobs across the country.

“The Prime Minister expressed his view at the Farnborough International Airshow in July that the AGP is seen as a model engagement process between government and industry and we look forward to a similar constructive partnership as we jointly develop a growth plan for UK defence.”

Steve Wadey added: “I am delighted to accept the position of co-chair of the Defence Growth Partnership alongside Michael Fallon. The defence industry plays a vital and strategic role in the UK’s industrial, technological and manufacturing base, as well as being a major driver of exports.

“We are committed to investing in the skills and industrial capability needed for future prosperity. Working in partnership with the government, the defence industry will play its role in driving growth in the UK economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .