Team Plymouth has taken centre stage at an event in Westminster’s Terrace Pavilion showcasing the city’s pivotal role in shaping the UK’s defence future and driving inclusive growth across the South West.
Sponsored by Babcock and hosted by Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas, the event brought together senior politicians, industry leaders and civic stakeholders.
A catalyst for growth in the South West
The event formally introduced ‘Team Plymouth’ – a strategic partnership between Plymouth City Council, the Ministry of Defence, Babcock, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, academia and regional stakeholders. The collaboration aims to leverage defence investment to unlock innovation, infrastructure, skills and opportunity, positioning defence as a catalyst for regional and national prosperity.
Attendees at the Westminster event explored the transformational potential for Plymouth and the importance of cross-sector partnerships, with MPs also endorsing the city and wider region’s ambitions for growth and regeneration.
Fred Thomas MP said:
“Team Plymouth represents a huge opportunity for our city – a chance to harness defence investment in a way that truly transforms lives. It will spread skills, create high-quality jobs and attract new investment across Plymouth and the wider South West.
“It was fantastic to launch Team Plymouth in Parliament alongside the brilliant partners making this happen. Together, we’re committed to delivering lasting benefits for our city, our communities, and our national security.”
Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency and Senior Responsible Owner for Team Plymouth said:
“Through Team Plymouth, we are driving transformational outcomes to create jobs, develop skills, build new homes, modernise infrastructure and address longstanding inequalities.
“We are learning from successful models elsewhere and applying those lessons to maximise impact locally, regionally and nationally. By bringing together government, industry, education and local partners, we are drawing on Plymouth’s talent to create a city where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit.”
David Lockwood, Babcock chief executive officer said:
“Team Plymouth is demonstrating how defence investment delivers real value across communities and drives sustainable economic growth. As a proud strategic partner, we’re delivering skilled jobs and long-term change to the region, while underpinning the defence of the nation.”
National recognition and new funding
Earlier this year, Plymouth was designated as one of five initial areas for defence-based place growth and will receive a share of £250 million announced from the Defence Industrial Strategy and named the National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
Four priorities driving the mission
Team Plymouth is focusing on:
Building strong foundations
Driving economic growth
Enabling regeneration and attraction
Breaking down barriers to opportunity
These priorities aim to ensure that defence investment directly benefits local communities, supports inclusive growth and boosts civic pride.
Momentum builds after Westminster launch
The event at Westminster fostered dialogue, built momentum and reinforced Plymouth’s strategic importance, as Team Plymouth continues engaging national stakeholders to turn the city’s ambitions into reality.
More information on Team Plymouth can be found at www.investplymouth.co.uk/team-plymouth and on the official LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/team-plymouth
