Attendees at the discussion
Business leaders from across Aldershot and Farnborough met on Friday 6 February 2026 to discuss the formation of a new partnership dedicated to boosting jobs and economic growth in the two towns.
The Aldershot and Farnborough Growth Partnership was convened by Alex Baker
MP and Councillor Gareth Willliams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council.
Representatives from some Rushmoor’s most significant businesses have agreed to
work together with Rushmoor Borough Council and other public sector partners to
generate additional public and private investment, capitalising on the area’s existing
business strengths in the defence, aerospace and engineering industries.
The aim is to provide more jobs and opportunities for local people and smaller
businesses and deliver improvements to the infrastructure of the towns known as the
home of the British Army and the birthplace of British aviation.
The members of the Aldershot and Farnborough Growth Partnership will act as
ambassadors for Aldershot and Farnborough, promoting the towns’ strengths,
opportunities and ambitions to industry-peers, investors and government as well as
to local residents and to local supply-chain businesses.
Partners will also provide strategic input and advice into the development of the two
towns. Specifically, they will accelerate economic growth by:
Alex Baker, MP for Aldershot and Farnborough said:
"Aldershot and Farnborough play incredibly important roles in serving the nation. These towns are not simply home to the army, they are also home to a huge number of world-class defence and aerospace businesses.
"With the government increasing investment in our armed forces to unprecedented
levels, there has never been a better time to shout out about the vital role we have to
play. By bringing business leaders together in a Growth Partnership, we mean to
advertise our strengths – particularly our high-tech innovation and manufacturing
prowess - and work together to generate new investment and new jobs and
opportunities for the local community."
Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Councillor Gareth Williams, said:
"Aldershot and Farnborough are home to hundreds of businesses, large and small,
that supply our armed forces and aviation and engineering industries and provide
local employment. The Growth Partnership will work collaboratively to ensure that
our community takes advantage of the thousands of well paid, highly skilled jobs and
supply chain opportunities that expansion of these industries will deliver, and that we
use the increased prosperity that this will bring to revive our town centres and
housing for the community.”
Steve Wadey, CEO of QinetiQ said:
“With our long-standing commitment to the area, we welcome the opportunity to play
a leading role in accelerating local economic growth.
“We recognise the potential of this community to unlock new opportunities that shape
the nation’s defence and security through the delivery of cutting-edge technology
and highly skilled jobs.”
Partners at the launch event were:
Any business or organisation interested in being involved with the Growth
Partnership should contact business@rushmoor.gov.uk.
