New Submarine Availability Support Hub will support 100 new jobs,
boost engineering capabilities and deliver on the Government's
Plan for Change.
Britain's nuclear submarine patrols will be strengthened by a new
hub that brings Government and industry closer together, creating
100 new jobs and supporting apprenticeships across the UK.
The Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) will improve
submarine delivery, boost UK engineering capabilities, and help
maintain the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.
The opening of the state-of-the-art facility will help deliver
the government's Plan for Change by strengthening security and
supporting the mission to kickstart economic growth.
The facility will enable the Defence Nuclear
Enterprise – the partnership of organisations that operate,
maintain, renew and sustain the UK's nuclear deterrent - to work
together more seamlessly with Babcock and other contractors to
drive better submarine availability and delivery.
This will be achieved through utilising cutting-edge digital and
learning tools and drawing together technical and engineering
expertise in a collaborative space.
The investment demonstrates the government's commitment to the
national security and follows the launch of the consultation for
the Defence Industrial Strategy - which will place deterrence at
the heart of a new approach and ensures the defence sector is an
engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.
Defence Minister today opened the SASH in
Bristol, which adds to the 42,000 jobs, and supply chain of 3,000
businesses already supporting our national endeavour to maintain
the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, MP, said:
It was a privilege to open the new Babcock Submarine Availability
Support Hub in Bristol, and to have the opportunity to speak with
civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike.
The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of
the government's commitment to making defence an engine for
growth.
This brand new facility will benefit the UK's nuclear deterrent,
which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country's
prosperity.
Submarine Delivery Agency, CEO Sir Chris Gardner KBE
said:
The opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol
provides a collaborative space that will support submarine
availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation. This
innovative facility is a clear demonstration of the government's
commitment to the UK's nuclear enterprise.
It offers a dedicated space for the Submarine Delivery Agency and
Babcock to undertake vital joint work which will support
waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to
develop future talent by providing placement roles for
engineering students.
In addition, the activity taking place within the SASH enables
waterfront operations at Clyde and Devonport by improving the
content, planning and preparation for maintenance periods as part
of an integrated Naval Nuclear business to support submarine
availability.
