General Atomics

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. 
 
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.
 
“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.”
 

Related

UK SMEs risk falling behind in AI race, NatWest warns
Engineer male advance robotic machine designer team talking with electronic component part supplier business consulting in heavy machinery industry concept.
UK SMEs risk falling behind in AI race, NatWest warns
Larger businesses are adopting AI at nearly twice the rate of smaller firms, with NatWest warning that skills and investment barriers could leave many SMEs struggling to keep pace.
Aerospace Focus

1 Oct 2026

Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
Natalie Destry
Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
A new white paper published by STEM Returners and backed by Vice Admiral (Retd) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, is urging the UK Government to help bring experienced professionals back into the workforce and meet defence recruitment targets.
Royal Navy demonstrates ship-busting firepower with Naval Strike Missile and Sea Venom
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy demonstrates ship-busting firepower with Naval Strike Missile and Sea Venom
HMS Portland and her embarked Wildcat HMA2 demonstrated the Royal Navy’s evolving maritime strike capabilities during the sinking of the former-USS Krakring off the coast of Scotland as part of Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026.
Aerospace Defence

30 Sep 2026

Tiberius Aerospace secures $500m Sceptre contract
SCEPTRE
Tiberius Aerospace secures $500m Sceptre contract
A $500 million collaboration agreement for Tiberius Aerospace's Sceptre programme aims to strengthen UK-US defence cooperation through shared technology development, manufacturing and AI-enabled industrial collaboration.
Defence Member News

1 Oct 2026

More than 25% of UK defence firms plan to invest £100m+ over the next year
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting visit BAE Systems' facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Scotland, on 30 July 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Lauren Hurley
More than 25% of UK defence firms plan to invest £100m+ over the next year
Over a quarter of UK defence firms will invest over £100 million in the next year, with air defence, counter-drone systems and cybersecurity as priorities.
Defence

1 Oct 2026

UK defence growth reshapes property market as demand for specialist space surges
An aerial image of the Appledore Shipyard in North Devon. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Charlie Perham
UK defence growth reshapes property market as demand for specialist space surges
The UK’s ongoing defence expansion is creating a major demand for industrial, logistics, office and research and development space as property firms target defence occupiers.
Defence

1 Oct 2026

Filtronic wins SpaceX contract to support Starlink network
ground station
Filtronic wins SpaceX contract to support Starlink network
Sedgefield headquartered Filtronic has won a $68.1 million (£51.52m) order from SpaceX to support its Starlink network, highlighting the growing global demand for UK-developed space technology.
Member News Space

1 Oct 2026

Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
Natalie Destry
Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
A new white paper published by STEM Returners and backed by Vice Admiral (Retd) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, is urging the UK Government to help bring experienced professionals back into the workforce and meet defence recruitment targets.
Skyrora completes hot-fire test of scaled-down orbital vehicle systems
Skyrora-hot-fire test of scaled-down orbital vehicle systems
Skyrora completes hot-fire test of scaled-down orbital vehicle systems
With its static hot-fire testing of a smaller scale version of its orbital launch vehicle, Skyrora is addressing engineering challenges and reducing technical risk, before scaling up the development of its Skyrora XL rocket programme.
Member News Space

30 Sep 2026

New tools to tackle prison drones, drugs and help offenders into work
National Police Chiefs Council photo of police on duty
New tools to tackle prison drones, drugs and help offenders into work
Lord Chancellor Alex Norris has announced a series of new measures aimed at tackling prison drones, curbing substance abuse and assisting offenders in securing work and accommodation.
Security

1 Oct 2026

UK policing’s first AI crime reporting system goes live in Cambridgeshire
AI online crime reporting test goes live in Cambridgeshire
UK policing’s first AI crime reporting system goes live in Cambridgeshire
The pilot uses conversational AI to gather crime reports, ask follow-up questions and submit a structured crime report directly into police systems.
Security

1 Oct 2026

British Transport Police extends facial recognition trial despite zero direct arrests
Operational Testing of Facial Recognition Technology
British Transport Police extends facial recognition trial despite zero direct arrests
BTP has extended its live facial recognition trial to the London Underground after more than 500,000 scans produced one false match and no direct arrests.
Security

1 Oct 2026