In forming the Cluster, the Members have made a formal commitment to work together to raise the profile of the South Central's capabilities in defence and security and attract national and international investment and innovation in the region.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, commented: “Hampshire County Council has a crucial role in driving forward the economic prosperity of the county. The defence and security industries play an important part in building that prosperity. Our role as an influencer and enabler is key and, at a time when national security increasingly relies on digital and data networks and robust cyber security, I am delighted we have been able to bring the right organisations together to establish the South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster.”
Vanessa Rueda Mata, Head of Sales for the United Kingdom, United States and Asia-Pacific for Secure Connectivity at Airbus Defence & Space, has been appointed as chair of the SCRDSC. Vanessa said: “Airbus Defence & Space is proud to be at the heart of the county’s advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and defence capability, with 12,000 employees in the UK.
“By creating this new cluster, we can help drive investment, boost regional productivity and contribute to the security of the UK while generating high-quality career opportunities. The South Central region is bursting with innovation, and by combining our commercial, industrial, and academic strengths we will bring significant productivity and prosperity to the region.”
In the coming months, the SCRDSC will focus on building its membership base and organising events aimed at increasing the level of Ministry of Defence innovation funding in the region for collaborative projects. A new SCRDSC website will be going live in early 2025, keeping Cluster members updated on upcoming events for 2025 and funding opportunities. Other businesses interested in joining the South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster should email [email protected].