The NWRDSC is one of five clusters launched so far in the UK, with preparations for another five and five more in development.
Andy Schofield, the interim chair of the NWRDSC, believes it is a major step forward. He said: “The North West has already established itself as a leader in significant national programmes such as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and AUKUS.
“With the planned home for the National Cyber Force in the region, we are well-positioned to capitalise on further investment and job creation, ensuring our defence and security ecosystem remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
“The NWRDSC will help amplify the region’s reputation in cyber and defence, supporting the sector’s continued expansion and helping attract further investment and talent.
“We can also quite rightly boast of having world leading academic and advanced research capabilities that are highly collaborative across the sector.
“The NWRDSC can have a positive impact in helping drive the knowledge through applied research and education, benefiting industry, the economy, future workforce development and the wider society.”
He added: “Through strong partnerships and a commitment to innovation, we can drive prosperity across the North West, enhance national security, and position the region as a
Melissa Conlon, commercial director at AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) North West, in Samlesbury, says the NWRDSC offers a huge chance for manufacturers to diversify and find routes into the Ministry of Defence supply chain.
She said: “Based on what we have seen from the other clusters, businesses will be able to break down the barriers to entry into this supply chain and gain a share of the MoD spend by winning packages of work and major tenders to support key defence programmes.
“If there is a critical mass of companies in Lancashire successfully entering this supply chain it will provide a significant contribution to local economic growth by creating high value jobs and a more resilient local economy.
“Lancashire will develop a reputation as being a major player within the defence supply chain, which will become a key driver of inward investment.”
Annette Weekes, managing director of PDS Engineering in Nelson, believes it is a ‘game- changer’ for firms in Lancashire.
She said: “The defence cluster is a fantastically exciting opportunity for the North West. With so many businesses and sectors working across defence it provides a brilliant opportunity for our local economy generally as well as for jobs.
“A strengthened cluster will provide huge The NWRDSC will help amplify the region’s
reputation in cyber and defence, supporting the sector’s continued expansion and helping attract further investment and talent
key player in the future of defence.
“With strong foundations in place, the NWRDSC is well-positioned to become a central hub for defence and security innovation in the UK.”
Defence giant BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard is playing a major role in the AUKUS programme to build Australia’s nuclear- powered submarines.
Its Lancashire aircraft manufacturing plants in Warton and Samlesbury are also heavily involved in the Future Combat Air System project, also known as Tempest, which is working to deliver the next generation combat aircraft.
opportunities and allow us to grow our region’s skill base which is already impressive.”
Miranda Barker, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the creation of the NWRDSC. She said it would help further raise the profile of the region’s defence and security sectors, both in government and globally, and provide opportunities for collaboration.
She said: “We can be better at taking advantage of the bid structures the government is going for. The government is planning to focus on investment for economic return. We need to grasp those opportunities.”
Andrew Schofield
Annette Weekes LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
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IN VIEW
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