Four Yorkshire mayors have united to launch the Yorkshire Regional Defence & Security Cluster (YRDSC), a new member-led body designed to connect the region’s SMEs, advanced manufacturers, tech innovators, and universities directly to MoD programmes, tenders, and supply chain opportunities.
Unveiled in Wakefield and backed by the Ministry of Defence through UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), the YRDSC is Yorkshire’s formal vehicle for capitalising on the government’s multi-billion-pound commitment to defence as a driver of national economic growth.
For supply chain businesses, the headline offer is straightforward: membership is free for Yorkshire-based companies, with early access to MoD programmes and supply chain partnerships as a direct benefit. The cluster is managed through Yorkshire’s four Combined Authorities, keeping local business needs central to its strategy rather than filtering them through prime contractors.
Cluster chair Andrew Butt set out the strategic intent plainly: “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.” Focus sectors include digital technology, advanced manufacturing, cyber security, radio frequency systems, and operational logistics.
The regional case is strong. Yorkshire holds significant military assets, applied research centres, major universities, and an established advanced manufacturing and logistics base. Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell MBE, who led the launch, pointed specifically to ports, supply chains, and industrial businesses as assets “that matter to UK defence and resilience.”
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard gave the cluster explicit government backing, noting that the triple-helix model of local government, industry, and higher education “helps grow regional defence and security sectors” and “connects SMEs with the pathways, funding, and expertise required to get their capabilities into UK Defence.”
For supply chain businesses across Yorkshire looking to enter or expand in defence, the YRDSC represents a low-barrier entry point into a rising procurement market. More information and membership details at yorkshirerdsc.co.uk.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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