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
UK MOD accelerates low-cost drone turbojet development with Alloyed


UK MOD accelerates low-cost drone turbojet development with Alloyed
A new UK-developed turbojet engine has reached flight-ready status in less than seven months, highlighting the potential of advanced manufacturing to accelerate defence propulsion.
Airlines should cover full climate cost if Heathrow expands, CCC says


Airlines should cover full climate cost if Heathrow expands, CCC says
The Climate Change Committee says Heathrow expansion is not compatible with UK Net Zero targets. It calls for aviation to pay the cost of removing CO2.
CAA cuts red tape to accelerate airspace modernisation and support drone innovation


CAA cuts red tape to accelerate airspace modernisation and support drone innovation
The UK CAA is streamlining its CAP1616 airspace change process, cutting regulatory burdens for modernisation, drones and new aviation technologies.
UK MOD accelerates low-cost drone turbojet development with Alloyed


UK MOD accelerates low-cost drone turbojet development with Alloyed
A new UK-developed turbojet engine has reached flight-ready status in less than seven months, highlighting the potential of advanced manufacturing to accelerate defence propulsion.
Harwell-based Open Cosmos secures €300m to scale sovereign satellite production


Harwell-based Open Cosmos secures €300m to scale sovereign satellite production
Harwell-based Open Cosmos has raised €300m to expand satellite manufacturing and space-based intelligence as the UK strengthens sovereign capability.
DVD2026: Five key defence trends shaping the British Army’s future


DVD2026: Five key defence trends shaping the British Army’s future
From vehicle modernisation and autonomous warfare to digital integration and a new approach to SME access, DVD2026 is set to offer some important clues about where the UK Armed Forces’ land capability and procurement projects are heading.
Harwell-based Open Cosmos secures €300m to scale sovereign satellite production


Harwell-based Open Cosmos secures €300m to scale sovereign satellite production
Harwell-based Open Cosmos has raised €300m to expand satellite manufacturing and space-based intelligence as the UK strengthens sovereign capability.
AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract


AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract
The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected AccelerComm to help build one of Europe's first regenerative 5G base stations that directly run onboard satellites, shifting away from today's 'bent-pipe' satellites that simply relay signals back to the ground.
The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?


The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
Leading experts examine where UK drone capability is advancing, where gaps remain and what industry and government need to fix next.
UK defence tech firms struggle to turn successful trials into contracts


UK defence tech firms struggle to turn successful trials into contracts
A Barclays report finds strong confidence among UK defence tech firms but warns procurement and finance barriers are making it harder for companies to scale.
The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?


The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
Leading experts examine where UK drone capability is advancing, where gaps remain and what industry and government need to fix next.
Isembard opens London’s largest factory since WWII


Isembard opens London’s largest factory since WWII
By opening the capital's largest factory since the Second World War in Southwark, Isembard is establishing a global head office that will also serve as a working precision factory that will enhance sovereign capability and deliver solutions for aerospace, defence and robotics customers, worldwide.



