By coming together, the mayors want to give Yorkshire the ability to seize on the government’s multi-billion pound commitment to making defence a priority for national economic growth.

The member-led cluster is designed to bridge the gap between global defence opportunities and Yorkshire’s network of small-and-medium businesses, advanced manufacturers, tech innovators, and world-class universities.

Membership for businesses based in Yorkshire will be free, unlocking early access to Ministry of Defence programmes, tenders, and supply chain partnerships.

Skaith said: “The launch of this cluster is a milestone moment for Yorkshire as we bring together the unique strengths of every corner of God’s own county.

“By uniting our world-class science and tech expertise with the massive industrial and maritime capabilities of our neighbours, we are forging a formidable Yorkshire alliance.

“This is how we drive growth with purpose while supporting our small businesses to scale. At a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world, it is vital that Yorkshire steps up to deliver the cutting-edge innovation needed to keep our nation secure.”

Brabin said: “This is a major moment for Yorkshire, and a powerful statement of our intent to boost our world-class manufacturing and engineering sector, and harness it to bolster the UK defence and security sector.

“With the largest manufacturing workforce in the North and world-leading businesses, West Yorkshire has the skills and industrial heritage we need to supply our armed forces with the most cutting-edge technologies.

“By coming together as Mayors, we’ll provide the knowledge and strengths of our regions, to boost growth, jobs and contribute to the defence and security of the UK in this age of uncertainty.”

Coppard said: “Yorkshire should be at the heart of our nation’s defence and security, building on our proud industrial heritage and our strengths in advanced manufacturing and engineering to protect our country.

“Here in South Yorkshire we’re already seeing what’s possible. There are now high-quality jobs, supporting established businesses to grow, and new opportunities for start-ups and local supply chains.

“By working together across Yorkshire, we will bring those strengths together for the UK’s defence and security – backing our industries, creating more good jobs, and building a bigger, better economy for our communities.”

Campbell said: “This is about making better use of the strengths we already have across Yorkshire. The Cluster brings together businesses, universities and local government so we can better understand what’s needed and how we can support national defence and security.

“Hull and East Yorkshire is ready to play its part. From Leconfield and the University of Hull to our ports, supply chains and industrial businesses, we have assets that matter to UK defence and resilience – this Cluster can help connect them to the right opportunities.”

With an industrial heritage and modern, established strengths in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems and more, the cluster will work to build on Yorkshire’s existing strengths.

By connecting businesses, universities, and the public sector, the initiative intends to build a connected system that helps businesses of all sizes navigate the defence market, access funding and scale their ideas.

Andrew Butt, chair of the YRDSC, said: “Defence technology needs to develop at an accelerated pace. This cluster is perfectly placed to connect regional businesses, higher education, and government to solve real-world security challenges, giving Yorkshire firms a direct route to market.”

“While Yorkshire is not traditionally home to massive military prime contractors, the region boasts an incredibly resilient and adaptable ecosystem of specialised businesses.

“The cluster will champion these local firms, focusing on high-growth sectors including digital tech, advanced manufacturing, cyber security, radio frequency systems, and operational logistics.”

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, added: “Regional defence and security clusters play an important role in the UK’s national security and economic resilience.

“By bringing together local government, industry, and higher education in a triple helix partnership, they help to grow regional defence and security sectors, develop the pipeline of innovative technologies that defence needs.

“Their work also connects small and medium-sized enterprises with the pathways, funding, and expertise required to get their capabilities into UK Defence.

“The launch of a regional defence and security cluster shows Yorkshire’s ambition to create more jobs and win more contracts from a rising defence budget.”

For more information and the source, visit: Mayors join forces to launch 'defence powerhouse' | TheBusinessDesk.com