North West comes together to bolster its defence

By Rob Kelly

11 Nov 2024

BAE Systems Radar

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]

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans Waste recycling Blackpool

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans

01 Jul 2025

2

Graham Engineering confirms acquisition to a2e Industries Graham Engineering

Graham Engineering confirms acquisition to a2e Industries

01 Jul 2025

3

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted Training 2000

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted

01 Jul 2025

4

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons Colin Fisher, Paul Fox CEO and Gary Fisher.

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons

01 Jul 2025

5

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners Dean Curtis and Joe Diston

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners

01 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Jul 2025 - 02 Jul 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July

St John's Hospice, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST

08:00 - 10:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
unnamed (2).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Jul 2025 - 09 Jul 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:30 - 16:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin