What the Government's defence spending boost might mean for the West Country
The Prime Minister has announced the biggest investment in the UK's military since the Cold War, stating £16.5billion as part of a four-year deal with the Ministry of Defence.
The South West areas which may benefit from a share of those funds include Appledore, Devonport and even Leonardo helicopters in Yeovil and suppliers.
Babcock who own Devonport is bidding to build a new fleet support ship.
The Unite Union wants the project to go to Plymouth where it says an all British build will take place.
Harland and Wolf, Appledore's Owners, is also bidding for the project in a joint bid with a Spanish firm.
John Wood, Chief Executive of Harland and Wolff Appledore, said it was ready to deliver 'on time and on budget' ambitions for the UK's defence capability with plans to build at least 13 additional ships to bolster the fleet.
Mr Wood said: “We saw the commitment this government and this Prime Minister has to reviving proper British shipbuilding when he visited our Appledore shipyard in August. We look forward to working with government in order to secure the future of our two shipyards, become the centre of excellence for renewable energy fabrication in the UK and build a portfolio of profitable domestic and export oriented contracts.”
Harland and Wolf and its parent company Infrastrata say the announcement also includes scope for more offshore patrol vessels which could form part of Appledore's workload.
The company is pleased with the progress being made and says it shows the Government is equally keen to unlock Appledore's potential.
Infrastrata say it is keen too to exploit a much broader range of opportunities of the North Devon shipyard and believes it could play a part in building components for the Government's so called Green revolution.
It is not clear when recruitment for a fuller workforce will begin in Appledore but for now extensive maintenance is ongoing.
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