Aldershot and Farnborough have always played a vital role in serving our country. One is the Home of the British Army. The other is the birthplace of British aviation. For generations, people here have contributed to our national security, our industrial strength and our economic resilience. Yet too often, these towns have not received the recognition or investment they deserve, and too often people have lost belief.
That is why I was proud to launch the Aldershot and Farnborough Growth Partnership last week, bringing together leading local businesses, education providers and the council with a shared mission: to drive jobs, growth and opportunity for our community.
This Growth Partnership is about backing what we already do well. Aldershot and Farnborough are home to world-class defence, aerospace, engineering and technology businesses. They sit at the heart of national priorities, from strengthening our armed forces to building a more secure and productive economy. With the Labour Government increasing investment in defence, innovation and skills, there has rarely been a stronger moment to make the case for our area.
But growth must be rooted locally. The Growth Partnership is not about abstract strategies or distant decisions. It is about ensuring that increased investment translates into good, well-paid jobs for local people, stronger supply chains for small and medium-sized businesses, and clear pathways from education into high-quality careers. That means closer working with colleges and training providers, supporting apprenticeships, and making sure local residents can benefit directly from the success on their doorstep.
The Partnership will also act as a strong, collective voice for Aldershot and Farnborough. By working together, businesses and civic leaders can champion our towns to investors, industry peers and government, while also shaping regeneration that works for residents. Economic growth and community pride must go hand in hand. Reviving our town centres, improving infrastructure and delivering sustainable development are essential if prosperity is to be felt across the whole community.
As someone with a professional background in regeneration, and as the Member of Parliament for both towns, I know that lasting change only happens when the public and private sectors pull in the same direction. The Growth Partnership reflects that approach: practical, collaborative and focused on delivery.
Aldershot and Farnborough have given so much to this country. Through this new partnership, we are setting out a clear ambition to secure their future, create opportunity for the next generation, and restore pride in places that matter not just locally, but nationally too.
