£84 million to boost Plymouth's defence growth plans

Lord Coaker was in Market Hall in Plymouth today where he approved Team Plymouth’s strategic business case and announced the delivery of a major package of investment that will strengthen national security, support local businesses and help drive the city’s reindustrialisation.

The investment confirms delivery of Plymouth’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy, expected to create 120 jobs and attract more than 30 businesses, including start-ups and scale-ups developing advanced maritime technologies.

Alongside the investment in business and innovation, the newly confirmed £1.5 million ‘Get Plymouth Working’ scheme will help 500 people into jobs in defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering and construction, with a focus on veterans and young people aged 18 to 25. Around 750 people will gain new technical skills and qualifications, while more than 7,000 young people will benefit from STEM training.

More than 400 UK businesses are expected to benefit from the wider programme, including support for firms working in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said:

The £84 million investment will establish Plymouth as a national leader in defence maritime autonomy, creating high-skilled jobs, backing businesses and providing new training opportunities for thousands of local people.