British Defence SMEs driving economic growth across the country
Survey results show that 75% of Make UK Defence members exhibiting at DSEI have increased their headcount in the last twelve months. Three in eight respondents noted an increase in at least 10% headcount, 18% of respondents grew by a quarter or more, while a handful of respondents even noted doubling their headcounts.
88% of those who reported headcount growth were SMEs, highlighting the significant role that small businesses play in supporting defence resilience in this country, while driving economic growth.
Make UK Defence represents the full breadth of the defence industry, ranging from major prime contractors to innovative, family run SMEs. This distributed industrial footprint ensures that the benefits of defence investment are felt widely – supporting local economies, upskilling workforces, and creating long-term, sustainable careers.
The job creation statistics highlighted by our members at this DSEI demonstrates why Make UK Defence continued to champion its members’ role in delivering growth, innovation, and prosperity, working closely with government and industry partners to secure the UK’s place as a global leader in defence manufacturing.
As defence spending rises, Make UK Defence want to ensure the UK Government can unlock the great potential within the supply chain and SME community to generate growth – creating highly skilled jobs, apprenticeships and innovation in communities across the nation.
Andrew Kinniburgh, Director-General at Make UK Defence, said: “Our members are at the heart of Britain’s defence manufacturing capability, supporting national security and driving regional economic growth. These latest figures show that Make UK Defence companies, large and small, are creating thousands of well-paid, high-quality jobs while developing cutting-edge technologies that keep the UK at the forefront of global defence innovation.”
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