Lancashire is seeking to build on its defence and security expertise as it prepares a bid for up to £20 million from the government’s Local Innovation Partnership Fund.

The proposal will showcase the county’s capabilities in areas such as advanced manufacturing, engineering and cyber resilience, alongside its role in supporting critical national infrastructure.

Key assets including BAE Systems’ Samlesbury and Warton sites, as well as innovation clusters across Blackpool, Blackburn with Darwen and Thornton-Cleveleys, will form the backbone of the pitch.

The Lancashire Combined County Authority is leading the bid in partnership with universities, major employers and supply-chain firms ahead of submission deadlines later this year.