Securing our future, together

In February and March of 2025, ADS and the nationwide unions GMB and Prospect came together to discuss our shared goal to support the development and implementation of a successful Industrial Strategy (IS), Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and Strategic Defence Review (SDR).

We mutually recognise this is an enormous opportunity for positive change if done well - change that improves our national security, raises economic prospects throughout the nations and regions of the UK, sets us on a course for innovation, and secures high-quality jobs for workers.

Over the course of several in-depth sessions, we identified six key policy areas where our priorities are shared and this led us to a comprehensive set of recommendations that reflect both the convergence of, and the nuances in, our strategies going forward.

Six Policy Areas

• Fostering British Industry - Ensure secure supply chains, establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and incentivise co-investment
• Delivering for the UK with International Partnerships - Expand skills-sharing initiatives, protect workers' rights, and safeguard intellectual property.
• Exports and the Growth Mission - Provide tailored SME support, reduce regulatory burdens, and foster cross-government coherence.
• Procurement: Being a "Better Customer" - Incentivise social value in MoD procurement, enhance government understanding, and incorporate exportability early in procurement processes.
• Getting the Best Returns: Long-term Investment - Commit to sustainable funding models to support critical skills and manufacturing.
• Skills for the Future - Develop localised skills mapping, reform the Apprenticeship Levy, promote STEM outreach, and lower entry barriers for apprenticeships.

It is with great pleasure that we publish this report, which not only highlights the achievements and challenges of our sectors but also frames the essential support structures needed to sustain and enhance our national and global standing.

View full publication of the report below: