THE progress, investment and development seen at the shipyard over the last 12 months have been nothing short of phenomenal.

From the milestones achieved in the ongoing facilities redevelopment, further commitment to the creation of apprenticeships, confirmation of the investment of billions of pounds of defence spending in Barrow and progress on the Dreadnought submarine programme positive news has been plentiful for BAE Systems during the last year.

Such praise as “world leading”, “cutting edge” and “unrivalled expertise” has become almost synonymous with the shipyard but that makes it no less impressive.

“When you walk in here it takes your breath away,” Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson proclaimed during a visit to the new £100m central yard facility last May.

“What you are doing here is so important, it’s important in terms of amazing boats that are going to make a real difference to the Royal Navy.

“You are world leaders here and we need to nurture that cutting edge which gives us the advantage at sea when we are keeping the world safe.

“This investment is not just for Barrow but for the whole of the nation, it will create jobs nationally and help us keep the technological advantage we have.”

And it’s not just the direct employment and investment at the shipyard which Barrow benefits from as the last 12 months have proved.

His continued support for Barrow and appreciation of the role the town plays in the UK’s defence led the defence secretary to vow to lobby his cabinet colleagues with a view to fund Barrow’s marina village development and boost footfall in the town centre.

His backing for Barrow MP John Woodcock’s proposals came as Mr Williamson recognised the need to attract and retain vital staff to the shipyard.

With such high and repeated praise it is no wonder that an air of confidence, assuredness and job satisfaction fills every inch of the ever-expanding shipyard.

Securing orders and work at BAE Systems for many decades to come has infinite and widespread repercussions in Barrow.

The benefits of long-term shipyard security are felt by all of us in Barrow and we should all welcome any and all future investment at the yard.

In short, the future is bright at the yard, and the next 12 months and beyond will undoubtedly see continued progress and investment which will benefit Barrow.