Minister Celebrates Defence Innovation and Veteran Support in Farnborough

Strategic Insights -

A visit from Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, has highlighted the significant strides made in defence innovation and veteran support in the Farnborough area. The minister toured local businesses, including Sixworks, which was awarded a £19.68 million contract to sustain and grow the NEXUS Air Information Platform. The visit also included a stop at Aldershot's flagship career transition partnership centre, a national hub for training and resettlement that supports service leavers in their transition to civilian life.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, visited Farnborough to acknowledge significant strides in defence innovation and veteran support.
  • Sixworks, a Farnborough-based firm, was awarded a £19.68 million Ministry of Defence contract to sustain and grow the NEXUS Air Information Platform.
  • The visit included a tour of Aldershot's flagship career transition partnership centre, a national hub for training and resettlement that supports service leavers in their transition to civilian life.
  • The centre is one of ten regional centres across the UK, delivered in partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Reed in Partnership.
  • The Farnborough area is a hub for defence industry technologies, including the Dragonfire laser, which is being deployed in Ukraine to strengthen international security.
  • The constituency's role in national defence not only helps protect the UK Armed Forces but also saves lives overseas.
  • The visit highlighted the importance of defence innovation and veteran support in the local community, with Minister Sandher-Jones stressing the need for opportunity for people in the area, including good jobs, skills for young people, and pride in the communities that support those who serve.

Statistics:

  • £19.68 million: The value of the Ministry of Defence contract awarded to Sixworks.
  • £19.7 million: Total value of contracts mentioned, including the Sixworks deal.
  • 1 year: The anniversary of the MOD's Armed Forces Career Transition Partnership with Reed, which was visited by Minister Sandher-Jones.
  • 10: The number of regional career transition partnership centres across the UK.
  • 2: The number of funding initiatives mentioned, including the Sixworks contract and the Armed Forces Career Transition Partnership.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Defence
  • Reed in Partnership