Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence Security

Serco apprentices gain distinctions

Ranil Jayawardena, the local MP for North East Hampshire, presented Certificates to two Serco apprentices in a socially distanced ceremony when he visited the company’s Head Office in Hook on Friday.

Above: (left to right) Ranil Jayawardena MP, Shannon Hartnett-Blay, Kevin Craven (Serco Strategic Partnership Director) and Toby Richardson.
Courtesy Serco

Shannon Hartnett-Blay and Toby Richardson have both recently completed their apprenticeships and now have full time jobs at Serco, Shannon in the company’s Defence business, where she is a Business Administrator and Toby in the Justice and Immigration business, where he is the social media officer.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

Shannon was awarded a distinction in her level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, while Toby also gained a distinction in his level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship.

According to Baltic Training, who ran Toby’s Apprenticeship course, less than 20% apprentices achieve the grade of Distinction.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Local MP, Ranil Jayawardena said: “I was pleased to visit Serco and to learn more about the great work this successful British company is doing. I was particularly delighted to be able to personally congratulate local apprentices Shannon and Toby on their tremendous achievements and to present them with their certificates.”
 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

Met appoints Hardev Virdee as Chief Strategy and Investment Officer

Security

Met appoints Hardev Virdee as Chief Strategy and Investment Officer

21 May 2026

The Met has announced the appointment of Hardev Virdee as its new Chief Strategy and Investment Officer, playing a pivotal role in shaping the Met’s future, leading its long-term strategy, investment and commercial functions.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Austability Group acquires majority stake in Nine23

Defence Security

Austability Group acquires majority stake in Nine23

20 May 2026

Austability Group Ltd, which provides expeditionary operational support services for the defence and national security sector, has acquired a majority shareholding (80%) in Nine23 Ltd, one of the UK’s high-assurance managed service providers.

Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

Defence Security Events

Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

15 May 2026

Getac, a provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, will demo its portfolio of rugged laptops, tablets and command solutions at SOF Week 2026, 18th-21st May in Tampa, Florida.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard