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
Enhanced aviation programme to help college students into airport careers


Enhanced aviation programme to help college students into airport careers
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is building on its partnership with Trafford & Stockport College to bring industry insights into the classroom and enable young people to get hands-on experience relevant to today's aviation sector.
3 innovative technologies selected for trial at Glasgow Airport


3 innovative technologies selected for trial at Glasgow Airport
The companies selected are part of an initiative supporting the development and adoption of new technologies across the UK’s aviation sector.
UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’


UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
UK government accuses Iran's Revolutionary Guards of directing a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, following seven arrests.
MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security


MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Defence suppliers and critical infrastructure operators must strengthen protection against sabotage, cyber attacks and drone threats, MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum has warned.
UK firm MARSS wins £370m Kuwait counter-drone contract, creating 100 jobs


UK firm MARSS wins £370m Kuwait counter-drone contract, creating 100 jobs
MARSS will deploy a nationwide AI-enabled counter-drone network for Kuwait under a £370m contract, creating around 100 skilled jobs in the UK.
UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’


UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
UK government accuses Iran's Revolutionary Guards of directing a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, following seven arrests.
UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal


UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
The UK and Germany have agreed to deepen space launch cooperation, with Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport securing European access to orbit.
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution


Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon


World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security


MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Defence suppliers and critical infrastructure operators must strengthen protection against sabotage, cyber attacks and drone threats, MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum has warned.
Two in five UK workers lack training on AI-powered cyber threats


Two in five UK workers lack training on AI-powered cyber threats
Adding AI to the already complex business of cyber security has the potential to make attacks more sophisticated and harder to spot.
UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’


UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
UK government accuses Iran's Revolutionary Guards of directing a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, following seven arrests.



