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

IFS Cloud supports Copa Airlines’ maintenance across more than 130 aircraft
Copa Airlines maintenance hangar new opening
IFS Cloud supports Copa Airlines’ maintenance across more than 130 aircraft
IFS has migrated Copa Airlines’ maintenance operation to its hosted cloud, bringing engineering, planning and maintenance together for over 1,300 users.
Aerospace Member News

9 Nov 2026

Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Serco certified as UAE's first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider.
Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Under the UAE's new national regulatory framework, Serco has been certified by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as the first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider complying with regulatory requirements, designed to improve safety and professional operational standards across the Emirates.
Rolls-Royce and Infinity target advanced manufacturing for next-generation submarines
[Pictures Copyrighted to Beth Walsh Photography- www.bethwalsh.co.uk] Infinity Prototype Centre.
Rolls-Royce and Infinity target advanced manufacturing for next-generation submarines
A new technology park in Derby being created by Infinity where Rolls-Royce operates a Nuclear Skills Academy, will see the companies develop a host of capabilities to shorten development of fusion, fission, aerospace and defence components and support submarine programmes.
Babcock welcomes 800 early-career recruits as defence skills demands evolve
Babcock apprentices gear up for work
Babcock welcomes 800 early-career recruits as defence skills demands evolve
The intake spans traditional engineering trades and digital disciplines, supported by investment in practical training facilities including Babcock’s new Devonport Skills Centre.
Defence

9 Nov 2026

UK must build drone manufacturing capacity before it is needed, Flyby warns
Military drone for naval operations
UK must build drone manufacturing capacity before it is needed, Flyby warns
Britain risks finding it cannot produce drones quickly enough in a crisis unless it invests in domestic manufacturing capacity before demand becomes urgent, Flyby Technology has warned.
Defence Magazine

9 Nov 2026

Rolls-Royce and Infinity target advanced manufacturing for next-generation submarines
[Pictures Copyrighted to Beth Walsh Photography- www.bethwalsh.co.uk] Infinity Prototype Centre.
Rolls-Royce and Infinity target advanced manufacturing for next-generation submarines
A new technology park in Derby being created by Infinity where Rolls-Royce operates a Nuclear Skills Academy, will see the companies develop a host of capabilities to shorten development of fusion, fission, aerospace and defence components and support submarine programmes.
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Serco certified as UAE's first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider.
Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Under the UAE's new national regulatory framework, Serco has been certified by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as the first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider complying with regulatory requirements, designed to improve safety and professional operational standards across the Emirates.
UK sends cyber “hunt forces” overseas to stop attacks on military networks
A team of five diverse cybersecurity analysts wearing headsets monitors security information and event management dashboards on multiple screens in a dark operations war room at night.
UK sends cyber “hunt forces” overseas to stop attacks on military networks
Specialist teams are being sent to Asia and Europe to stop hostile cyber operations before they become large-scale attacks.
Defence Security

9 Nov 2026

Met Police chief calls for major overhaul to tackle cybercrime
Police on patrol
Met Police chief calls for major overhaul to tackle cybercrime
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has called for England and Wales’s 43 police forces to be reorganised into eight to 10 regional forces.
Security

6 Nov 2026