Babcock supporting one in every 550 jobs in the UK
New independent research by Oxford Economics reveals how defence company Babcock International Group (Babcock) drives growth across the UK economy through jobs, investment in the supply chain, and tax contributions.

Image courtesy Babcock International Group
The Oxford Economics report published today shows the FTSE 100 company made a total contribution of £4.3 billion to UK GDP in FY2024, a significant increase of £1 billion since FY2022. For every £1 spent with Babcock on UK defence, £3 goes back into the UK economy.
The Oxford Economics report published today shows the FTSE 100 company made a total contribution of £4.3 billion to UK GDP in FY2024, a significant increase of £1 billion since FY2022. For every £1 spent with Babcock on UK defence, £3 goes back into the UK economy.
Over the last two years, Babcock has substantially grown the number of UK jobs that it supports to 67,000 across the country, equivalent to one in every 550 jobs in the UK.
Other key findings include:
• Significant impact on the UK’s regional economies, including over 12,000 staff directly employed in the South West of England and 5,400 in Scotland
• 1,800 people being trained through Babcock’s graduate and apprenticeship programmes
• An estimated total tax contribution of £1.1 billion to the UK Exchequer, directly and indirectly
• £550 million spent with UK Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), supporting more than 3,800 businesses
David Lockwood, Chief Executive of Babcock, said:
“We are proud of the role we play across the country.
“We are proud of the role we play across the country.
“Babcock doesn’t just help protect the UK; we are helping to drive prosperity.
At this critical time for national security, our highly experienced teams play a key role in developing sovereign capabilities to create a safe and secure world, together with our wider industry colleagues and partners.
“We are investing in infrastructure, technology, and skills that we need today to bolster the growth of our business for tomorrow. This commitment to our customers and continuous investment in our people is making us a better business. We are determined to continue supporting the communities we work in whilst delivering the capabilities our armed forces need to keep the country safe.”
Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said:
“Babcock is a fantastic example of how defence is an engine for growth, creating jobs across the nation.
“The company supports thousands of skilled jobs across the South-West and Scotland and invests in British SMEs, building up local communities and developing talent through graduate and apprenticeship programmes.
“Our Defence Industrial Strategy will help direct more defence spending to British-based firms, such as Babcock, boosting defence jobs in every nation and region.”
Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest content in your inbox.
Similar Reads
1
2
3
Sign up for our newsletter. Select all sectors relevant to you.
Related
Pilot fatigue raises fresh concerns over European aviation safety


Pilot fatigue raises fresh concerns over European aviation safety
A recent survey has found that 24% of European pilots usually continue flying rather than declare themselves unfit for duty due to fatigue.
MAAS Aviation appoints Edwin Poldermans as Head of MRO


MAAS Aviation appoints Edwin Poldermans as Head of MRO
With over 30 years of aviation and aerospace experience, Edwin Poldermans has joined MAAS Aviation to help drive expansion of the MRO side of its aircraft painting service.
UK advances Storm Fighter programme as RAF plans to field first CCAs before 2030


UK advances Storm Fighter programme as RAF plans to field first CCAs before 2030
The UK is accelerating its Storm Fighter programme, with plans to field operational Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) before 2030 to strengthen the RAF’s future air combat capabilities.
Three Royal Navy Vanguard-class nuclear submarines at sea simultaneously in rare deployment


Three Royal Navy Vanguard-class nuclear submarines at sea simultaneously in rare deployment
Three of the Royal Navy’s four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines are now reportedly at sea, highlighting the operational demands of maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Airbus awarded contract for additional Galileo satellites


Airbus awarded contract for additional Galileo satellites
The additional Galileo satellites will benefit from existing Airbus manufacturing capabilities and feature advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing to safeguard Galileo’s signals, extending Europe's independent satellite navigation services for European security and defence.
UK opts out of Canada-led Defence Bank but pledges closer cooperation


UK opts out of Canada-led Defence Bank but pledges closer cooperation
The UK has opted to focus on its proposed Multilateral Defence Mechanism (MDM) rather than join Canada's Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.
Airbus awarded contract for additional Galileo satellites


Airbus awarded contract for additional Galileo satellites
The additional Galileo satellites will benefit from existing Airbus manufacturing capabilities and feature advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing to safeguard Galileo’s signals, extending Europe's independent satellite navigation services for European security and defence.
UK space start-up completes cancer drug experiment aboard ISS after £9.8m funding boost


UK space start-up completes cancer drug experiment aboard ISS after £9.8m funding boost
UK start-up BioOrbit has completed a six-week ISS experiment to produce protein crystals that could make some cancer treatments suitable for home injections.
ClearSpace and Eutelsat sign term sheet to advance Phoenix GEO life-extension services


ClearSpace and Eutelsat sign term sheet to advance Phoenix GEO life-extension services
A new agreement between ClearSpace and Eutelsat has established a framework for cooperation on the Phoenix mission and future commercial life-extension services, bringing satellite operator expertise into the development of next-gen in-orbit servicing capabilities.
Deloitte awarded £30m Lead Delivery Partner contract to support PoliceAI


Deloitte awarded £30m Lead Delivery Partner contract to support PoliceAI
As Lead Delivery Partner for PoliceAI, Deloitte will be responsible for delivery of artificial intelligence solutions for police forces across England and Wales.
Airbus awarded contract for additional Galileo satellites


Airbus awarded contract for additional Galileo satellites
The additional Galileo satellites will benefit from existing Airbus manufacturing capabilities and feature advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing to safeguard Galileo’s signals, extending Europe's independent satellite navigation services for European security and defence.
UK police and fire services face serious cyber attack risks as watchdog exposes security gaps


UK police and fire services face serious cyber attack risks as watchdog exposes security gaps
A UK watchdog has warned that police and fire services remain vulnerable to cyberattacks, citing ageing technology, poor safeguards and inadequate preparedness.


