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
PTC rectangle

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
FIA2026 animated banner
Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

Defence

Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

25 March 2026

Serco has been awarded a seven-year contract to provide in-service support for the British Army’s fleet of 512 marine vessels.

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

Defence Events

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

25 March 2026

British engineering firm Rowden hosted a visit by British Army Sergeant Majors to explore how collaboration between engineers and soldiers helps shape and deliver operational technology.

BAE Systems to quadruple THAAD production

Defence

BAE Systems to quadruple THAAD production

25 March 2026

BAE Systems has signed a landmark seven-year framework agreement with the US Department of War (DoW) to quadruple production capacity and accelerate delivery of the infrared seeker for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missile in support of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

GA-ASI’s UK and Japan MQ-9B Programs recognised

Defence

GA-ASI’s UK and Japan MQ-9B Programs recognised

25 March 2026

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) won two awards during Aviation Week’s 21st annual Program Excellence Awards last week, with its United Kingdom (UK) Protector Program given the Special Projects Award, whilst its Japan COCO (Company-Owned, Company-Operated) Program won in the category of OEM System Sustainment.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

Defence

UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

24 March 2026

UK military personnel will be put through their paces as part of a new diplomacy training programme, upskilling specialists in negotiation and languages as part of the UK's first Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched today. 

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

Defence Security

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

24 March 2026

Counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) solutions provider, DroneShield, today announced interoperability between DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control software and optical sensing technologies from OpenWorks Engineering.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner