North West comes together to bolster its defence

A new North West Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NWRDSC) has been launched in a strategic move to further strengthen the region’s leading UK role in the key sectors.

The NWRDSC is part of a nationwide network of defence and security clusters, supported by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA). Lancashire has played a major role in its development and, alongside the other counties in the North West, will be key to its success.

The cluster aims to further raise the profile of the North West’s capabilities in defence and security, while fostering greater collaboration between businesses, academia, and government to drive investment and innovation in the region.

It was officially launched at an event at Sci-Tech Daresbury in Cheshire and attracted more than 130 attendees, including traditional and non-traditional defence and security businesses, academia, government agencies and research organisations.

The launch event provided a platform for attendees to engage with UK defence leaders and front line command, discuss the latest priorities and funding opportunities, and explore collaborative possibilities through networking sessions and partner showcases.

The NWRDSC is one of five clusters launched so far in the UK, with preparations for another five and five more in development.

Professor Andy Schofield, the interim chair of the NWRDSC, said: “The North West has already established itself as a leader in significant national programmes such as the Global Combat Air Programme 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.”

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.

The cluster’s primary goals are to support regional growth by creating collaboration across industries, sharing information, and leveraging funding opportunities for defence and security projects.

This includes fostering the commercialisation of cutting-edge research and development (R&D) and creating a talent pipeline to ensure long-term growth in the sector.

In the coming months, the NWRDSC will focus on building its membership base and organising events aimed at increasing the level of MoD innovation funding in the region.

The cluster is keen to provide a platform for businesses to share best practices, access funding opportunities, and collaborate with key stakeholders across the UK’s defence and security sectors.

Prof Schofield said: “We want the NWRDSC to be recognised as the leading regional cluster in the UK.

“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 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.

“We are excited for what lies ahead and look forward to the positive impact the cluster will have on the North West’s economy and its communities.”

Miranda Barker, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, has 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.”

The NWRDSC is open to businesses from both traditional and non-traditional defence and security sectors. Membership is free.

Businesses interested in joining the NWRDSC or learning more about the cluster’s activities can visit the website here or reach out via email at [email protected]