The latest annual ADS Outlook Report shows that the UK’s security sector continues to demonstrate growth, almost doubling in size in the last five years.

Data shows the UK security sector’s turnover reached £8.5 billion in 2014, including exports worth £3.4 billion, and that the sector directly employed 71,000 people.

The data also indicates productivity across the sector has risen by 24% over the past five years, with more than half of companies anticipating growth of more than 10%.

Around 40% of turnover within the security sector was shown to be generated by exports, with Europe, North America and the Middle East cited as growing markets. Companies named Latin America, Africa and the Middle East as the regions they are most likely to focus export activity on over the next three years.

Meanwhile, figures for the defence sector show that productivity has risen by 17% over the past four years, compared with just 6% for the rest of the economy. Overall growth over the past five years in the defence sector stands at 12.5%, with turnover reaching £22 billion including exports generating £8.5 billion.

Paul Everitt, CEO of ADS Group, said: “The defence and security industries are of strategic importance, helping to protect the UK and its citizens and contributing to national prosperity by sustaining high-value long-term jobs.”