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
CAA reveals participants in next round of Hydrogen Sandbox
CAA reveals participants in next round of Hydrogen Sandbox
Three organisations have been chosen to take part in the third round of the Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge, which over the past three years has supported projects developing solutions to transform flight through the safe introduction of hydrogen to fuel manned and unmanned aircraft.
Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports Infrastructure has partnered with Oita Prefectural Government to explore routes, vertiport locations and future air taxi services ahead of a planned 2028 launch.
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
Supacat has started production of 18 HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia's special forces, with deliveries due to begin in 2027.
GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
GM Defence has appointed Simon Gray as Director of Business Development as it expands its UK presence and strengthens engagement with the MoD, Armed Forces and industry partners.
UK Armed Forces recruitment turnaround boosts pipeline of skilled workers
UK Armed Forces recruitment turnaround boosts pipeline of skilled workers
The Armed Forces remains one of the UK’s leading routes into skilled careers, with opportunities across engineering, healthcare, cyber and digital roles.
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
As autonomous technologies rapidly evolve and the autonomy skills gap widens, BMT's maritime autonomy specialists have developed a new e-learning course to cultivate broader understanding of autonomy beyond specialist engineering teams.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.