Greater Lincolnshire Recognised as Key Defence Region by Government

4 August 2023

Written by: gathomas

Greater Lincolnshire has been recognised as a key hub for Defence and Security within the UK. At a a launch event on Friday 28 July, the region was officially named a Regional Defence and Security Cluster by the government, building on the county’s rich aviation heritage. The event, held at Lincoln’s Usher Gallery, over 70 […]

Greater Lincolnshire has been recognised as a key hub for Defence and Security within the UK.

At a a launch event on Friday 28 July, the region was officially named a Regional Defence and Security Cluster by the government, building on the county’s rich aviation heritage.

The event, held at Lincoln’s Usher Gallery, over 70 guests attended from backgrounds such as intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.

What was originally named Lincolnshire Defence and Security Network was founded by the University of Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Lincolnshire County Council.

To become officially recognised as a cluster by the Government, the network  had to provide evidence of a collaborative approach to the security and defence industry within the region, which it has done so since it’s inception.

The aim of the cluster is to bring together national and international international defence organisations, manufacturing, research, development and innovation expertise, the cluster is designed to provide a single forum to overcome sector challenges and identify business opportunities in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.

This will give businesses the chance to lead and shape this sector and draw on Government funding to develop ideas, innovations and new products.

Julian Free, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Defence and Security Board, said:

“Today marks an important milestone for the region as the culmination of a lot of work to connect the regional defence and security sector SME, prime contractor and supply chain community, to raise the profile of the tremendous innovation they are driving to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, and to promote the opportunities for other companies to locate or expand here as part of the cluster.

“It also provides a springboard for individuals to pursue exciting and rewarding high-tech, high-value careers in Greater Lincolnshire.”

The Greater Lincolnshire Defence and Security Cluster was launched following approval from the Government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).