|
SEEDA Backs Portsmouth Naval Base
22 November 2006
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) today highlighted the pivotal role played by the Portsmouth Naval base ahead of a strategic review of naval operations by the Ministry of Defence.
SEEDA's Area Director for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Kathy Slack said:
"The naval base at Portsmouth has a very positive impact on driving the economy of Hampshire and the wider area forward. Employing 17,000 people - sailors, civilian staff and external contractors - the naval base also has a strong relationship with a supply chain of around 750 companies throughout south east Hampshire in a typical year. The base makes a direct contribution of around £300 million to the local economy every year and is synonymous with a highly skilled workforce. SEEDA has also been working very closely with the city council, the local MPs and a wide range of partners to promote the benefits of Portsmouth to the key players in this debate. In fact, we support the view held by Portsmouth South MP, Mike Hancock, who has made a passionate plea for greater collaboration between the naval bases of Portsmouth and Devonport with the hope that future refitting and maintenance work can be shared between the world class expertise of both naval bases."
|
