Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Security

GFSL appoints Alistair Watters as CEO

GFSL has appointed Alistair Watters as CEO to lead support for the UK's prison service.

Image courtesy GFSL

Alistair brings over 20 years of experience leading at the highest levels in both the public sector and FTSE organisations. He brings a wealth of expertise and has a strong track record of delivering major business and technology transformations, in challenging and fast-changing environments.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Alistair is passionate about creating practical, sustainable solutions that work for everyone - stakeholders, employees and the people who rely on the services GFSL deliver.

Colin Allars, GFSL Board Chair, said: "We look forward to drawing on Alistair’s experience and leadership as GFSL navigates the opportunities and challenges ahead. We’re confident he’ll help us deliver on our commitments to the prison service and the teams that make it all happen.

Alistair’s career highlights include:

Advertisement
ODU RT
  • leading large-scale transformation programmes across technology and operations
  • designing and implementing Target Operating Models (TOM) for organisations with over 30,000 employees
  • building strong stakeholder relationships at all levels, including board engagement
  • leading cross-functional teams and delivering on international projects
  • overseeing CapEx budgets of up to £5.1 billion, driving efficiency and operational improvements

Speaking about his new role, Alistair said: "I’m thrilled to join GFSL at such an important time. The work we do supporting the prison service is critical and I’m looking forward to working alongside such a dedicated and passionate team.

"My focus is on making sure the Property Transformation Programme transition is as smooth as possible, for the prisons we serve, our employees and the new suppliers, while we continue to provide an excellent service to prisons. Together, we’ll ensure GFSL continues to deliver high-quality services and makes a real difference."
 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Peli launches 9730 RALS

Defence Security

Peli launches 9730 RALS

8 January 2026

Peli Products has launched the Peli 9730 Remote Area Lighting System (RALS), a next-generation lighting solution combining power, safety and portability.

Cranfield University continues collaboration with HMGCC

Defence Security

Cranfield University continues collaboration with HMGCC

7 January 2026

Cranfield University is continuing to help address national security engineering challenges through an ongoing collaboration with HMGCC (His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre) and its Co-Creation initiative: a partnership with Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory).

IFS to acquire Softeon

Aerospace Defence Security

IFS to acquire Softeon

6 January 2026

IFS today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softeon, a provider of cloud-native Warehouse Management, Warehouse Execution and Distributed Order Management solutions.

Defence Medical Services awards Project Mercury contract to Avenue3

Defence Security

Defence Medical Services awards Project Mercury contract to Avenue3

6 January 2026

A £2.5 million contract to develop a Deployed Clinical Record system to enable defence clinicians to access military medical records anywhere in the world - Project Mercury - has been awarded by the Defence Medical Services, to Leeds based digital health-care solutions consultancy Avenue3.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Cyber action plan aims to bolster resilience of public services

Security

Cyber action plan aims to bolster resilience of public services

6 January 2026

Backed by over £210 million, a new UK Government Cyber Action Plan published today sets out how government will rise to meet the growing range of online threats, introducing measures that aim to make online public services more secure and resilient, so people can confidently use them - whether applying for benefits, paying taxes or accessing ...

Babcock leads new STEM pilot in Plymouth

Aerospace Defence Security

Babcock leads new STEM pilot in Plymouth

5 January 2026

Babcock International Group is to lead a new STEM pilot in Plymouth as part of a major UK Government £182 million national skills drive.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB