Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Babcock supporting one in every 550 jobs in the UK

Defence

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. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“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.”

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Manor Marine and ZeroUSV partner on production of advanced British-built USVs

Defence Security

Manor Marine and ZeroUSV partner on production of advanced British-built USVs

12 May 2026

ZeroUSV has made a strategic investment in Portland based multidisciplinary shipyard, Manor Marine, to accelerate the production of its high-tech, UK-designed and built, Oceanus class autonomous vessels.

ODU introduces AMC NP for military and security applications

Defence Security

ODU introduces AMC NP for military and security applications

12 May 2026

ODU has developed its AMC NP connector for military and security applications, enabling easy-handling and a solid break-away design, to provide integrated solutions for cable mounting and improved field comms performance.

Thales and ArianeGroup conduct first firing of FLP-t 150

Defence

Thales and ArianeGroup conduct first firing of FLP-t 150

12 May 2026

Thales and ArianeGroup have successfully conducted the first firing of the new ballistic munition FLP-t 150, which has an operational range exceeding 150 kilometres.

CSpO meets to advance operational efforts

Defence Space

CSpO meets to advance operational efforts

12 May 2026

The Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative Principals’ Board convened in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where senior representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the UK and USA, addressed the rapidly evolving security dynamics of the space domain.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NEIDA gains JOSCAR accreditation

Defence

NEIDA gains JOSCAR accreditation

11 May 2026

Stoke on Trent based NEIDA Products Engineering Ltd has achieved JOSCAR accreditation.

Intralink to drive Amprius drone battery tech into South Korea

Aerospace Defence Security

Intralink to drive Amprius drone battery tech into South Korea

11 May 2026

Business development consultancy Intralink, has been appointed by Silicon Valley battery specialist Amprius Technologies, to deepen its presence in South Korea, one of Asia’s most active markets for drones, robotics and advanced mobility.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner