£3.2 BILLION was added by Scottish businesses to the UK economy by the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, according to the latest figures from ADS Group. The 2023 Scotland Facts and Figures published by the trade association further reveals that businesses in Scotland generated £7.3 billion in turnover, as well as directly employing 33,500 people.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack MP welcomed the news:
“It’s clear that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make an enormous contribution to the UK’s defence, security, aerospace and space sectors. The UK Government is committed to growing our economy, including by working with these industries to support their success in the UK and in exporting overseas. Defence plays a crucial part in the security of the United Kingdom and also contributes significantly to delivering high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland.”
The data further highlights the employment of 1,500 apprentices in Scotland, part of the wider 20,200 apprentices in the four sectors’ total UK workforce of 417,000. With £95,000 output per worker, sector productivity in Scotland is 47 per cent higher than the economy average, delivering strategic advantage to Scotland and the UK.
Welcoming the publication, Warrick Malcolm, ADS Scotland Director commented:
“Innovative Scottish businesses are major employers, and our 2023 Our 2023 Scotland Facts and Figures provides a snapshot of their contribution to the wider UK economy.
“ADS members in Scotland are recognised internationally for their contribution to the global sectors ADS represents. In the coming years, it is essential Scotland’s growth continues, securing the UK’s world-leading position in rapidly advancing sectors, such as Space.”
The full Scotland Facts and Figures publication, alongside policy priorities that could magnify the sectors’ positioning, can be read here. The publication was launched at a roundtable with Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, Mark Goldsack, Director of UKDSE, and representatives from ADS businesses in the region.
ADS Group is the UK trade association representing aerospace, defence, security and space organisations, with more than 1,200 member businesses.
