Team Plymouth showcases defence-driven growth vision
Image courtesy Babcock
The event was hosted by Fred Thomas MP (Plymouth Moor View) and brought together senior politicians, industry leaders and civic stakeholders.
The event formally introduced Team Plymouth, which is a strategic partnership between Plymouth City Council, the Ministry of Defence, Babcock, MHCLG, academia and regional stakeholders. This collaboration aims to leverage defence investment to unlock innovation, infrastructure, skills and opportunity, positioning defence as a catalyst for regional and national prosperity.
Attendees at the Westminster event explored the transformational potential for Plymouth and the importance of cross-sector partnerships, with MPs also endorsing the city and wider region’s ambitions for growth and regeneration.
Fred Thomas MP who hosted the event in the Terrace Pavilion, said: “Team Plymouth represents a huge opportunity for our city – a chance to harness defence investment in a way that truly transforms lives. It will spread skills, create high-quality jobs and attract new investment across Plymouth and the wider South West.
"It was fantastic to launch Team Plymouth in Parliament alongside the brilliant partners making this happen. Together, we’re committed to delivering lasting benefits for our city, our communities and our national security.”
Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency and Senior Responsible Owner for Team Plymouth, said: “Through Team Plymouth, we are driving and cohering transformational outcomes to create jobs, develop skills, build new homes, modernise infrastructure and address longstanding inequalities. We are learning from successful models elsewhere and applying those lessons to maximise impact locally, regionally and nationally. By bringing together government, industry, education and local partners, we are drawing on Plymouth’s talent to create a city where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit.
"This initiative reflects the strength of local partnerships and the confidence that the nation places in Plymouth’s future. It shows that when we work together with clear purpose, we can transform communities, create opportunity and position Plymouth as a city recognised not only for its defence capabilities, but also for innovation, civic pride and ambition.”
David Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer, Babcock, said: “Team Plymouth is demonstrating how defence investment delivers real value across communities and drives sustainable economic growth. As a proud strategic partner, we’re delivering skilled jobs and long-term change to the region, while underpinning the defence of the nation.”
Earlier this year, Plymouth was designated as one of five initial areas for defence-based place growth and will receive a share of £250 million announced from the Defence Industrial Strategy and named the National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
Through four priorities – building strong foundations, driving economic growth, enabling regeneration and attraction and breaking down barriers to opportunity – Team Plymouth is committed to ensuring communities benefit, tackling inequalities and promoting civic pride.
The event at Westminster fostered dialogue, built momentum and reinforced Plymouth’s strategic importance, as Team Plymouth continues engaging national stakeholders to turn the city’s ambitions into reality.
