Ministry of Defence
Partner
The MOD is represented by the Doing Business with Defence Team - helping suppliers access opportunities and innovation in the Defence supply chain.
Defence Equipment & Support
Partner
From the procurement of clothes to carriers, food to fighter jets, we ensure our UK military customers – the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force – have the equipment and support they need to carry out their duties effectively. We also manage the recruitment for our sister organisation – the Submarine Delivery Agency.
Defence Suppliers Forum
Partner
The Defence Suppliers Forum (DSF) is the primary MOD-industry engagement mechanism for matters of mutual strategic interest. It enables ongoing strategic engagement between the MOD and its suppliers, including Primes, Mid-Tiers, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The DSF delivers against a set of Aims and Objectives aligned to the Defence Command Paper Refresh, collaboratively tackling shared challenges including supply chain bottlenecks and skills shortages. As well as its standing programme of work, the DSF supports agile joint government/industry responses to emerging issues and opportunities. Any suppliers not already attending the DSF’s bi-monthly Communications Forum are encouraged to register their interest by contacting the DSF Programme Management Office.
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Partner
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science inside UK defence and security. Dstl is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) providing world class expertise and delivering cutting-edge science and technology for the benefit of the nation and allies. Dstl is one of the principal government organizations dedicated to science and technology in the defence and security field. Dstl supplies specialist services to MOD and wider government, working collaboratively with external partners in industry and academia worldwide, providing expert research, specialist advice and invaluable operational support.
Defence and Security Accelerator
Partner
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) finds and funds exploitable innovations which support defence and security faster and more effectively, and seeks to generate economic value for the UK. We are part of the Defence Innovation Directorate in the Ministry of Defence and are co-located with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down. Our vision is for the UK to maintain its strategic advantage over its adversaries through the most innovative defence and security capabilities in the world. We have learned that by reaching out to innovators across the UK and beyond we can encourage and support the brightest and best to put forward feasible ideas to solve our problems. Our refreshed strategy for 2021-2024 builds on our learning as we continue to strengthen and broaden links to innovators across the UK and elsewhere.
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Partner
DIO plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing the infrastructure needed to support defence, and is responsible for enabling defence people to live, work, train and deploy at home and overseas.
Defence Digital
Partner
A part of Strategic Command, Defence Digital has an important role within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the age of information warfare. Defence Digital is responsible for making sure that effective digital and information technology (D&IT) is put into the hands of the military and business front line. It is guided by the D&IT Functional strategy.
Defence Cyber Protection Partnership
Partner
Government and Industry collaboration to protect the Defence Supply Chain. There are now two workstreams: Cyber Security Model: A risk-based proportionate approach to protecting the supply chain. Suppliers are required to meet the security controls in Def Stan 05-138. Version 4 will be coming out later this year. Secure by Design: Securing capabilities through continuous risk management (and an end to MOD Accreditation).
UK Defence and Security Exports
Partner
UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) is part of the Department for Business and Trade. UKDSE supports UK defence, physical security and cyber security companies to export products, technology, and services. We also help unlock high-value and strategic inward investments in these industries across the whole of the UK. As part of this, we provide specialist export advice and practical assistance, working closely with industry and other government departments including the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as well as government agencies UK Export Finance and Export Control Joint Unit.
Export Control Joint Unit
Partner
The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is part of the Department for Business and Trade which administers the UK’s system of export controls and licensing for military and dual-use items. ECJU’s mission is to promote global security through strategic export controls, facilitating responsible exports. They aim to deliver an efficient, rigorous and customer-friendly export licensing and compliance service. ECJU will be exhibiting on UKDSE’s stand, so please come to their stand if you have any questions.
Innovate UK Business Connect
Partner
Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. We drive productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s world-class research base. With a strong business focus, we drive growth by working with companies to de-risk, enable and support innovation. We connect businesses to the partners, customers and investors that can help them turn ideas into commercially successful products and services and business growth. We fund business and research collaborations to accelerate innovation and drive business investment into research and development. Our support is available to businesses across all economic sectors, value chains and UK regions. Since 2007, we have invested around £2.5 billion to help businesses across the country to innovate, with match funding from industry taking the total value of projects above £4.3 billion. We have helped 8,500 organisations create around 70,000 jobs and added an estimated £18 billion of value to the UK economy. KTN connects ideas, people and communities to drive innovation that changes lives. KTN exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions. We work in close partnership with Innovate UK and UKRI to support businesses in their innovation journey, including identifying strategic goals and innovation pathways, and deliver a rich annual portfolio of activities at regional, national and global level. We amplify the value and impact of public sector interventions through delivering a rich activity portfolio in support of public sector programmes addressing market and system failures, especially around network failures and information asymmetry. With 200 staff across the UK, deep technical sector expertise, and over 43,000 organisations in our network, we are specialists in creating critical mass by convening innovation communities and transversing traditional sector boundaries. Our team of experienced and trusted experts have unparalleled depth and breadth in their sectors combined with a set of powerful products to assist your organisation to understand complex markets, key technological drivers and potential future issues to give you a distinct advantage whether you are looking to improve your position in an established sector or wanting to seek new opportunities where the road ahead looks promising but confusing. KTN can give you the clarity to progress and succeed.
Crown Commercial Services
Partner
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) plays an important role helping the UK public sector save money when buying common goods and services. We are the biggest public procurement organisation in the UK. We use our commercial expertise to help buyers in central government and across the public and third sectors to purchase everything from locum doctors and laptops to police cars and electricity. The collective purchasing power of our customers, plus our procurement knowledge, means we can get the best commercial deals in the interests of taxpayers.
Air Commercial
Partner
The Commercial function provides independent professional judgement on commercial and procurement matters to meet the business need, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance, and driving value for the customer. We are also involved in the end-to-end procurement process as the owner of the commercial strategy and a key contributor to the procurement strategy. We are the only function authorised to contractually commit the department.
The British Army
The British Army protects the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live. Army Commercial support the Army in the purchase of goods and services to enable them to achieve their objectives. The team attending DPRTE this year are from the Rapid Acquisition Team, part of Military Capability Delivery area of the Programmes Directorate in Army HQ.
Royal Navy
Partner
Navy Commercial Navy Commercial is part of MOD and the wider Government Commercial Function (GCF). We support Navy Command in the purchase of goods and services and endeavour to protect the individual and MOD from unintentional contractual commitments with Industry. We are here to advise upon and manage the Commercial elements of the Procurement Process and are licensed to contract for Navy requirements where they fall within our delegation or cannot be met by existing MOD wide Commercial arrangements. Business Partnering is core to our customer engagement activities. Our Commercial Business Partners (BPs) are at the heart of what we do and act as senior commercial advisors to our customers. Working with dedicated Pre-Sourcing support, they help understand, shape and manage your requirements through to our Delivery teams in sourcing and contract management The Navy Commercial Vision To be an integrated and respected voice in Command decision making; injecting pace and flexibility, balancing risk and opportunity, and shaping relationships with industry and MOD delivery agents.
Submarine Delivery Agency
Partner
The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At the SDA, it’s our people that make us great. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to – whether that’s alongside project teams with a shared vision or as part of an employee network of like-minded individuals. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.
ADS
Partner
ADS is the UK trade association advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space, to enable prosperity and clean, secure growth for our nation. ADS are proud to represent well over 1,300 members from the UK’s innovative, entrepreneurial and prosperous aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors. We work with those sectors to secure the UK’s advantage, enhance our international positioning as a go-to destination for innovation and deliver on our sustainable leadership goals. Whether representing industry, connecting our members with business opportunities or driving forward innovation and growth, ADS is at the forefront of an array of activities, events and programmes that benefit our members.
Tech UK
Partner
Stand Location: 175
techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. We create a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy and the planet.
Make UK Defence
Stand Location: M17
Make UK Defence is a national not-for-profit, member owned defence trade association, part of Make UK – the manufacturers’ organisation. We champion and support the UK’s innovative and diverse defence manufacturers and the wider defence supply chain. Guided by our member Advisory and Policy Boards, our mission is simple: • to have a deep understanding of our members and their challenges, within the context of the domestic and global defence industry • to celebrate and amplify the success of the UK defence supply chain, whilst ensuring our members’ challenges and concerns are clearly heard and acted upon in Government and the Defence Primes • to help our members grow through networking and Meet the Buyer opportunities • to help our members improve their business and operational performance through our Competitive Advantage Programme The Ministry of Defence is the only government department to have been awarded a 4 year spending settlement and a budget increase of £16.5b. With the renewed focus across Government and specifically the MOD on UK Prosperity, social value and levelling up, together with a renewed focus on winning overseas defence exports, there really has never been a better time to join the rapidly growing Make UK Defence and maximise your chances of success. Together, we are helping to build an innovative, forward looking, internationally competitive UK defence supply chain. makeuk.org/defence
Desider
Partner
Stand Location: 42
Noah's Ark Media is a media representative company which manages advertising related matters for MOD publications - Desider and RAF News.
Women in Defence UK
Partner
Women in Defence UK – accelerating gender equity in defence. What we do? Motivated by Emmeline Pankhurst’s famous quote ‘Deeds not Words’, we work with our defence public and private sector Partners to help to make gender equity a reality. How do we do that? We inspire through our annual Awards that recognise and celebrate all individuals working in defence of the UK, we challenge senior leaders on their equity, diversity and inclusion plans through one on one interviews, we offer mentoring for women through our groundbreaking cross sector mentoring programme and we work with our Partners to create a Critical Mass of knowledge and leading practice to help move the dial on gender equity. We work alongside Women in Defence Careers who support us and the Women in Defence Charter to build a critical mass of women in the sector. The Women in Defence Charter was launched in 2019 and represents a commitment by the defence sector to work together to build a more gender balanced environment. It is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, defence industry and Women in Defence UK. Organisations that sign the Charter are committing to be the very best at driving inclusion and diversity within their organisations and providing fair opportunities for women to succeed at all levels. A balanced workforce is good for government and good for business, good for customers and consumers, for profitability and workplace culture, for promoting prosperity and stability, and for showing everyone matters in building stronger and more peaceful communities. The Charter has an ambition that 30% of roles at all levels in defence will be filled by women by 2030, yet recognises that each company or organisation should set its own target to reflect where it is on that journey.
Women Empowering Defence
Women Empowering Defence: A New Era of Strength In an age where the boundaries of gender are being continually redefined, "Women Empowering Defence" stands as a beacon of progress and possibility. This movement is more than just an initiative; it is a revolution in thought and action. It seeks to dismantle the barriers that have historically limited women’s roles in the defence sector, highlighting their indispensable contributions to national security, peacekeeping, and global stability. Strength in Unity At the core of this initiative lies the belief that true strength emerges from unity. When women are empowered to join forces with their male counterparts, the collective power is unmatched. "Strength in Unity" is not just a tagline; it’s a principle that drives the vision of a more inclusive and effective defence force. By harnessing the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to the table, we build a force that is resilient, adaptable, and prepared for the complexities of modern warfare and peacekeeping operations. Power in Diversity "Diversity is our strength," they say, and nowhere is this truer than in the realm of defence. The diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints that women bring to the defence sector enhance decision-making processes, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity. "Power in Diversity" underscores the importance of embracing these differences, recognising that a diverse team is a stronger, more agile team—one that can tackle challenges from multiple angles and find solutions that a homogenous group might overlook. Leading with Purpose Women across Defence are not just contributors; they are purposeful leaders driving change. Whether on the front lines or in command centres, they consistently prove their strength, courage, and unwavering commitment. "Leadership with Purpose" embodies their determination to lead with vision and intent, inspiring others through their actions and setting new standards for leadership. These women aren’t merely transforming the landscape of defence; they are shaping the future of global security with purpose, redefining what it truly means to lead in today’s complex world. Together, these principles—strength in unity, power in diversity, Leading with Purpose form the foundation of "Women Empowering Defence." This movement is a call to arms for a more equitable, dynamic, and powerful defence sector, where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every leader—regardless of gender—has the opportunity to rise and shine
Service Graphics
Official Print Partner
Stand Location: 50
Service Graphics are the UK’s leading brand for the production of large-format graphics and display solutions. We create visual experiences that connect people with brands. Our teams specialise in Exhibitions, Events, Museums, Luxury Brands, Retail, Sports and Property delivering stand-out graphics that engage audiences, visitors and customers alike
Defence Contracts International
Partner
Stand Location: Defence Market Engagement Zone
Defence Contracts International is a market-leading business intelligence solution, delivered by one of Europe’s leading experts in procurement – BiP Solutions. We are trusted by the UK and many other governments globally to help them improve their defence and security procurement capabilities. We help thousands of suppliers of all shapes and sizes to win UK and international tenders. Start winning more defence sector business through access to tailored opportunities, competitor insights and market analysis with our cutting-edge end-to-end business intelligence platform. Grow your revenue. Increase your market share. Get a return on your investment.
Pass Procurement
Partner
PASS provides expert public procurement training and support for both public and private sector organisations. Whether your goal is to maximise efficiencies or increase your organisation’s chances of tendering success, PASS will ensure you are equipped with the knowledge you need. Discover how you can Learn, Develop and Accomplish with PASS.
Cadence Marketing
Partner
Stand Location: Defence Market Engagement Zone
At Cadence Marketing, we understand the importance of data in the public sector and have built a comprehensive database of over 200,000 contacts across 31,600 organisations, including Central Government, Local Government, NHS, Education, MOD, and Emergency Services. We love helping businesses connect with public sector buyers through targeted marketing solutions. Whether you’re looking to boost your email campaigns, do some market research, host a webinar, or create some killer content, we’ve got you covered. Reach the right people, stay up-to-date, make informed decisions and improve your win rate.
Partner
Stand Location: Defence Market Engagement Zone
Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed and industry-supported scheme that helps businesses protect themselves against the growing threat of cyber attacks and provides a clear statement of the basic controls organisations should have in place to protect them. Gaining Cyber Essentials certification enables organisations to showcase their credentials as trustworthy and secure when it comes to cyber security.
Defence Online
Partner
Stand Location: Defence Market Engagement Zone
Defence Online, a digital marketing and communication company under BiP Solutions, offers advertising and marketing solutions to organisations to promote themselves and connect with key decision makers across various high-value and influential sectors, including Construction, Defence, and Health. It is one of the fastest-growing communities of defence sector buyers and influencers in the UK, providing up-to-date news, insight, and intelligence to enhance knowledge and understanding of the evolving marketplace. Defence Online has a range of sector-based solutions designed to assist businesses in developing in both existing and new market sectors, connecting them with a marketplace worth over £19 billion annually in the UK alone.
Bringing together the defence procurement community
DPRTE connects buyers and suppliers from across the defence procurement and supply chain community – worth more than £25bn+ annually.
New for 2025, DPRTE will take place over two days, giving participants more time to network, learn and share best practice. This unique event enables all stakeholders to learn about the latest developments shaping the future of defence procurement – featuring extensive skills development, networking, collaboration and product showcase opportunities for MOD/public sector buyers and private sector organisations alike.
Minister confirmed for DPRTE
Maria Eagle MP
Minister of State
Maria Eagle was appointed Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence on 8 July 2024. She was elected as the MP for Liverpool Garston in July 2024. The Minister of State (Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry) is responsible for overseeing a wide range of critical areas within the defence sector. This includes defence procurement, driving the Defence Industrial Strategy to support economic growth and export campaigns, and fostering strong relationships with the defence industry. The role encompasses leading acquisition reform, managing the Equipment Plan, and overseeing the Defence Estates through the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Additionally, the minister supervises Defence Digital, advancing science and technology, and promoting research and development initiatives. Responsibilities also extend to ensuring compliance with single source contract regulations, supporting shipbuilding efforts, and engaging in multi-lateral capability programmes and organisations to strengthen international collaboration.
Maria Eagle was appointed Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence on 8 July 2024. She was elected as the MP for Liverpool Garston in July 2024.
The Minister of State (Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry) is responsible for overseeing a wide range of critical areas within the defence sector. This includes defence procurement, driving the Defence Industrial Strategy to support economic growth and export campaigns, and fostering strong relationships with the defence industry. The role encompasses leading acquisition reform, managing the Equipment Plan, and overseeing the Defence Estates through the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Additionally, the minister supervises Defence Digital, advancing science and technology, and promoting research and development initiatives. Responsibilities also extend to ensuring compliance with single source contract regulations, supporting shipbuilding efforts, and engaging in multi-lateral capability programmes and organisations to strengthen international collaboration.
Confirmed Speakers Include
Maria Eagle MP
Minister of State
Maria Eagle was appointed Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence on 8 July 2024. She was elected as the MP for Liverpool Garston in July 2024. The Minister of State (Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry) is responsible for overseeing a wide range of critical areas within the defence sector. This includes defence procurement, driving the Defence Industrial Strategy to support economic growth and export campaigns, and fostering strong relationships with the defence industry. The role encompasses leading acquisition reform, managing the Equipment Plan, and overseeing the Defence Estates through the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Additionally, the minister supervises Defence Digital, advancing science and technology, and promoting research and development initiatives. Responsibilities also extend to ensuring compliance with single source contract regulations, supporting shipbuilding efforts, and engaging in multi-lateral capability programmes and organisations to strengthen international collaboration.
Andrew Forzani
Director General Commercial
Andrew has worked in the commercial, procurement and supply chain profession for the whole of his career, working in health, infrastructure international aid, construction and local government before joining the Civil Service. During this time he has delivered complex commercial deals, across property, infrastructure, IT categories and a range of national outsourcing service programmes in health, education and government. Andrew has been in Defence since 2017, initially as the Departments Chief Commercial Officer. He was recently appointed Director General Commercial for both the MOD and DE&S in July 2021 and is the senior commercial advisor across Defence. The role also covers the overall leadership of over 2,000 procurement and commercial professionals in Defence. The commercial function covers an annual spend in excess of £20bn across nearly 6,000 contracts, ranging from property and FM, corporate services, complex IT infrastructure and services, food, clothing & medical supplies to large military equipment platforms, such as ships, aircraft and vehicles. Andrew is also leading on the implementation of an ambitious reform agenda to ensure Defence procurement and supply chain system is more agile, capable and able to deliver the right equipment and services to the Armed Forces more quickly.
Andy Start
Chief Executive
Andy studied electrical and electronic engineering at Portsmouth and management at Bournemouth. He completed a year at the Royal College of Defence Studies and has completed a Masters in International Security and Strategy at King’s College, London. Trained as an engineer, Andy spent the first decade of his working career in the space business, as a designer and programme manager of military satellite systems. His career progressed to leading a wide range of Aerospace and Defence businesses with a specialism in helping improve performance and drive strategic change. Andy has completed government secondments into the MOD and the Department of Trade and Industry. In the latter role he had responsibility for leading the UK Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team and supported the development of Defence Industrial Policy. He has been active throughout his career in supporting others and served on the UK Electronics Council, the board of the trade body TechUK, the board of Smart Africa, and is an active coach and mentor. Chief Executive of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) The Chief Executive Officer is the UK’s National Armaments Director and as the Accounting Officer for Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is directly responsible to Parliament for the stewardship of DE&S’ resources. To discharge these responsibilities, CEO has delegated authority from PUS to lead and manage DE&S: • providing equipment and logistic support to current operations, including delivery against urgent operational requirements • delivering funded equipment acquisition and support outputs, as agreed with Front Line Commands and the Head Office • delivering projects to performance, time and cost targets, in accordance with agreed asset delivery plans • managing safety, risk and environmental issues in accordance with mandated requirements and appropriate best practice • representing UK interests in international military and political fora, including NATO and the EU
Lieutenant General Sir Rob Magowan KCB CBE
Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Capability)
Lieutenant General Rob Magowan joined the Royal Marines in 1989 after reading chemistry at Southampton University. His early command appointments included a tour of Northern Ireland. Returning from the US Marine Corps staff course, he was posted to HQ 3 UK Division, during which time he deployed to Afghanistan on the first International Security Assistance Force deployment. He returned to 42 Commando as Second in Command, deploying to Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Telic 1. Subsequently, he worked in the Cabinet Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, with a focus on intelligence. He assumed command of the Royal Marines 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, deploying to Helmand province. After Higher Command and Staff Course, as a Brigadier he was Chief of Staff to the National Contingent Commander in Kabul, Commodore Naval Personnel Strategy and then Commander Joint Forces Intelligence Group. He became Commandant General Royal Marines, for the first time, and Commander United Kingdom Amphibious Forces in 2016. He also assumed command of the European Union Naval Force Somalia. His staff appointments as a Major General were Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Capability) and Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Capability and Force Design). In January 2020, he assumed the role as Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command. He reassumed the position of Commandant General Royal Marines from April 2021 – November 2022. He started as the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Capability) in May 2022 and was Knighted in the 2024 New Years Honours.
Vice Admiral Andy Kyte
Chief of Defence Logistics and Support (CDLS)
Vice Admiral Kyte joined the Royal Navy as a Logistics Officer in 1987. Junior appointments included tours in the aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL, Type 21 frigate HMS ACTIVE, and the staff of the Senior Naval Officer Northern Ireland. Roles as a Lieutenant Commander included the Logistic Officer of the Type 22 frigate HMS CHATHAM, on the staff at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth and as the Deputy Base Logistics Officer in His Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport. Promoted to Commander in 2002, staff tours included Flag Officer Sea Training and the Permanent Joint Headquarters. In 2006, he joined the amphibious assault ship HMS BULWARK as Commander Logistics, before moving to the Equipment Capability area of the Ministry of Defence, responsible for the Navy’s replacement support shipping programme. He joined the Army’s 8 Engineer Brigade on promotion to Captain in February 2009, deploying later that year to Afghanistan as the Deputy Commander of the Joint Force Support HQ. He then took up the appointment of Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (Logistic Operations and Plans) in Navy Command before assuming the post of Secretary to the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. On promotion to Commodore in August 2014, he became the Head of Defence Logistic Operations before taking command of the Standing Joint Force Logistic HQ and deploying to Oman for SAIF SAREEA 3. He assumed the role of Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Support Operations) and Chief Naval Logistic Officer in November 2018 on promotion to Rear Admiral. Responsible for the provision of strategic level policy, planning and direction in support of current and contingent operations, his tenure was dominated by the logistic challenges created by BREXIT, COVID and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He recently led a study for CDS focused on increasing Defence outputs and undertook a sabbatical with industry before assuming the post of Chief of Defence Logistics and Support on promotion to Vice Admiral in September 2023. Admiral Kyte is a graduate of the Higher Command and Staff Course and the London Business School. He holds a BA in Modern History and an MA in Defence Studies, is President of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Surfing Association, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and is the Armed Forces Jewish Faith Champion. Admiral Kyte is the Chair of the Association of Royal Naval Officers and its sister Charity, the Royal Naval Officers Charity. He was appointed a Companion of the Bath in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List for leadership of Defence’s response to the COVID pandemic.
Avril Jolliffe
Director General Industry, Trade and Economic Security
Avril left university with two degrees in Engineering, including a Dip Ing in Nuclear Engineering and joined the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the Science and Engineering Fast Stream in 1995. She worked in a number of operational policy areas, such as Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan and worked on contingency planning for Homeland crises. Her first SCS post was the MOD’s Head of Export Policy and Assurance, where she was responsible for the assessment of military equipment export clearances against counter-proliferation legislation. In May 2011, Avril joined Thales UK as Director Anglo-French Relations. In 2015, she took on the role of Head of Policy and International Relations, representing Thales UK across all aspects of senior Government policy making and understanding the UK’s strategic international relations position. She was also a company director for Thales Alenia Space UK, the UK arm of Europe’s largest space company. In Sept 2022, Avril re-joined MOD as the Director General for Industry, Trade and Economic Security, leading on a number of key policy areas including industrial strategy, exports, economic and investment security, space, climate change, levelling up and the Union. She is also responsible for MODSAP and other UK activities in Saudi Arabia.
Julie Brettell
Supply Chain Director
Julie has worked in the Defence industry for three decades, predominately in Procurement and Supply Chain roles; leading in various private sector organisations and as an operating Board member, since 2003. She joined MOD as Commercial Director, Supply Chain in January 2023, bringing a valuable perspective, fresh from her leadership role within Thales UK. She joined Thales UK as Chief Procurement Officer in 2018 and was responsible for all procurement and supply chain activity across UK divisions including Defence, Cyber Security, Civil Aerospace and Ground Transportation. Julie has led numerous successful transformation programmes across her roles within the Defence Industry and brings a huge amount of industry insight to her role in the MOD.
Victoria Cope
Chief Procurement Officer & Commercial Director
Victoria is an experienced senior leader, with a multidisciplinary background and track record of achievement. Focused on strategic commercial leadership and effective relationship management to deliver tangible results for businesses and individuals alike. Victoria has over 15 years’ experience in the Aerospace and Defence sector and has worked within corporate procurement, finance, sales, commercial, programme management and investor relations functions within FTSE100/250 organisations including BAE Systems, QinetiQ, Airbus and Unilever. Victoria’s achievements were recognised by The Times & Sunday Times in 2019 as winner of We Are the City Top 100 Women Rising Star 2019 – Defence. Victoria was also awarded the Marshall of Cambridge Medal by the Duke of Edinburgh in 2012 for contribution to the aerospace industry. Victoria is a chartered Aeronautical Engineer by background and holds an Executive MBA from Henley Business School. Victoria is a Non-Executive Council Member of The Air League Trust and trustee of the Inspiring Leadership Trust and plays competitive badminton in her spare time.
Andrew Kinniburgh
Director General
Andrew Kinniburgh is Director-General of Make UK Defence, the Defence Trade Association belonging to Make UK – the Manufacturers’ Organisation. He joined Make UK in 2019 from the Cabinet Office where he was Wider Government Engagement Lead for the Government Commercial Organisation, following a 25 year career in the defence and security industry. He spent nearly 10 years with Serco Defence, followed by senior appointments with Smiths Detection and two Ministry of Defence trading funds and a 7 year spell as an independent consultant. He holds a BA in Business from Heriot-Watt University and an MSc in International Defence Marketing from Cranfield University / UK Defence Academy. Andrew has been involved with Defence Ministries and businesses in the Defence and Security sectors across most European countries and in North America, as well as the UK. Make UK Defence represents over 300 UK Defence Suppliers ranging from SMEs and mid tiers, to major Primes and is the lead Trade Association for the MOD’s Defence Suppliers Forum SME Working Group.
Samira Braund, Defence Director, ADS
Defence Director
ADS is the UK trade association advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space, to enable prosperity and clean, secure growth for our nation.
Claire Benham
Commercial Director
Claire has 30 years extensive commercial experience working in public and private sector across industries, including manufacturing, construction, financial services and working overseas. Claire holds a degree in Politics and Economics and is MCIPS Chartered since 2002. “Following a 20-year private sector commercial career, I joined the DIO, to lead an exciting programme to develop a leading-edge Commercial function delivering Military capability through Infrastructure. Our vision is to be a high performing team consistently delivering value for money and commercial outcomes across Defence Infrastructure. Building on the values of the wider Defence commercial family and the Government Commercial Function, aiming to strengthen and leverage Government scale and purchasing power and driving better value for money for the taxpayer and partners. Working closely with Defence colleagues, Ministers and Industry Partners, we are shaping and delivering services and outcomes across the infrastructure sector. I am passionate about the social value we can create, and I am incredibly proud of my record working with SME’s, Voluntary and Third Sectors, alongside more established Partners. At all times we work with integrity, alongside driving sustainable results and value. I build strong teams, relationships and I am a champion of Diversity.”
Tom McDonald
Director
Tom McDonald is currently a Director at the UK National Audit Office, where he is responsible for leading value for money audit work on defence and national security expenditure. He has worked at the NAO since 2001 and has focused his career on the defence, health and international sectors. Since 2015 he has also been the NAO’s lead Director for cyber security across the UK public sector. Between 2010 and 2013 he was seconded to the Department for International Development to establish and run the Independent Commission for Aid Impact. Before his NAO career, he worked in international affairs research and acted as an overseas election observer on behalf of the UN, EU and OSCE. He has degrees in modern languages, international relations and management from Bristol University and Ashridge Business School and is a fellow of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
Kevin Craven
Chief Executive
Kevin Craven was appointed as the permanent Chief Executive of ADS in 2021 Kevin previously served as ADS Interim Chief Executive and has worked for Serco since 2014, most recently as Strategic Partnership Director, following three years as Serco CEO UK & Europe from 2017 to 2020. He has also served on the ADS Board as Vice President for Defence.
Patrick Cahill
Deputy Director and Space Sector Lead
Patrick is responsible for growing the operational and commercial benefits of the Networks, Telecoms and Space Solutions available to all UK Public Sector organisations through Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Frameworks and Purchasing Systems. Before joining CCS, Patrick was Deputy Director in the Cabinet Office’s Strategic Partnering Programme with responsibility for developing Suppliers to the UK Space Sector and the Strategic Partner Management of five of the top twenty ICT Strategic Suppliers to the UK Central Government. He was involved in supporting the then Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in the development of the National Space Strategy and with the Crown Commercial Service in the construction of a Dynamic Purchasing System that gives the Public Sector better access to products and solutions enabled from outer space to improve key public services such as healthcare, the environment, transportation and infrastructure. He joined the Cabinet Office in May 2014 after a 20 year career in senior management roles with IT companies Sun Microsystems and Dell Computers where he managed commercial operations in the UK, Europe, USA and Asia/Pacific regions and completed international assignments in the USA, Netherlands and Singapore. Patrick holds a BEng. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde.
Tilly Harvey
Deputy Director, Professional Services
Tilly is sourcing and procurement professional with over 23 years experience. She has a track record in delivering complex solutions across various industries. With expertise in managing significant categories of spend - including Consultancy, Audit, Research & Innovation and Legal Services, Tilly focuses on establishing commercial strategies that require innovation, drive change and deliver value to customers and the UK taxpayer.
Martin Lee
Space Program Procurement Manager
Marin is the Space Program Procurement Manager at Airbus Defence and Space. Airbus is a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and solutions to customers on a worldwide scale. With around 134,000 employees and as the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and a worldwide leader, Airbus is at the forefront of the aviation industry and build the most innovative commercial aircraft and consistently capture about half of all commercial airliner orders. Thanks to their deep understanding of changing market needs, customer focus and technological innovation, they offer products that connect people and places via air and space.
Russell McKinlay
Principal Data Scientist
Russell is a Principal Data Scientist within Cyber and Information Systems Division at Dstl. His main interests are in the areas of sensor fusion and autonomous sensor management with a number of years of experience working on technical projects in these areas. He currently leads the sensor fusion and management project within the future sensing and PNT programme. Russell holds Masters and PhD degrees in chemistry from Heriot-Watt University.
Tim Sheldon
Chief Delivery Officer
Dr. Tim Sheldon is the Chief Delivery Officer at Dstl, having taken on the role in April 2024. In this position, he supports the Chief Executive in managing the complex portfolio of defense and security work. He coordinates work across Dstl's Science & Technology (S&T) delivery units, while also overseeing the development and sustainability of S&T capabilities. His responsibilities include implementing a streamlined process for stakeholders to engage with Dstl, prioritizing demands, and ensuring the highest-impact outcomes. Dr. Sheldon's career began after completing a Chemistry degree at Edinburgh University and a PhD in Organic Chemistry at Oxford. He joined the MoD in 1993, progressing through various roles in procurement and project management. Notable roles include leading the Defence Logistics Performance Management Programme and modernizing the Cost Assurance and Analysis Service (CAAS). In 2018, he became Head of Submarine Production, overseeing the delivery of Astute-class submarines, and later advanced to Director of Submarine Acquisition, responsible for major Royal Navy submarine projects. Throughout his career, Dr. Sheldon has played key roles in defense acquisition and transformation programs.
Libby Valance-Bull
AI and Technical Strategy Advisor
Elizabeth (Libby) Vallance Bull is an AI and Technical Strategy Advisor for the British Army, MOD and NATO. Libby is a graduate from the Universities of St. Andrews, Aberdeen and Cambridge, a Fellow of the Geological Society, and Honorary Fellow of the University of Exeter (Centre for Public Understanding of Defence and National Security), guest lecturer at the Universities of Buckinghamshire and Cambridge. She started her career with the MOD, Army, Royal Signals during the period of the Bosnian Conflict. Emerging as a Geophysicist from her studies, Libby has spent a privileged three decades, travelling the world and its major oil capitals, working as an exploration geophysicist and latterly digital transformation strategist, within the largest multinational Oil and Gas organisations globally. Libby brought her experience of solving complex hydrocarbon exploration challenges to Defence and National Security, where she has provided, technical and strategic advisory to Defence Primes, SMEs, and MOD. She brings a wealth of expertise, in the practical application of artificial intelligence, and machine intelligent process to defence and national security. Over the last 12 months she has worked alongside an ecosystem of niche SMEs and met with over 60 other SMEs, during mobilisation demonstrating how data centric, SMEs can work at pace to deliver brilliance.
Dina Kakaras
Head
Dina Kakaras is the head of Commercial X and Head of Procurement at Ministry of Defence. Dina is a highly motivated and action orientated leader with over 17 years of experience in large, complex, global organisations in the Private and Public Sector. A recognised innovator with a passion for digital transformation as well as building, developing and motivating high performing teams to maximise value and capability. Promoter and strong advocate for creating a customer focused culture by harnessing the power of diversity and inclusion.
Professor John Louth
Strategic Advisor
Professor Louth was in the military between 1987 and 2004 before turning his attention to commerce and academia. As an author, academic and business leader, his passion is to explore, understand and explain the complexities of defence capability generation and management drawn from a multi-faceted public-private enterprise, embracing defence prime contractors, technologists, SMEs, the armed forces, families, investors and governments. Between 2011 and 2019, John was the director of the defence, industries and society research programme at RUSI. He was also the Professor of Defence Management at the University of Roehampton Business School in London. John advised the Colombian government on defence industrial reform as part of the peace process, chaired the UK-Australian Defence Maritime Collaboration Dialogue in London and Sydney and was the independent chair of the MoD-Industry Nuclear Engineering Skills Review. Between 2012 and 2024, John was a specialist adviser to the UK House of Commons’ Defence Select Committee. Before Brexit, he was the UK’s representative to the EU on its annual defence capability review. He is a non-executive director of Subsea Craft and a strategic adviser to IBM, Pagefield, RSA and Redstone Risk, as well as a collaborating professor with the University of South Australia in Adelaide, where he has developed an Executive Defence MBA.
Key Themes at DPRTE 2025
Thank you to our Event Sponsors
Veolia Water Outsourcing Ltd
Stand Location: 153
Access to clean water and sanitation is a universal right. Yet water needs to be treated and used sustainably, to help preserve our planet for future generations. With more than 150 years' experience in the water industry, we are best-placed to support both businesses and consumers with their water needs.
Sayari Analytics
Stand Location: 41
Analysts, sourcing, and compliance professionals deserve tools purpose-built by people who’ve been in the field. Sayari was built to provide worldwide visibility into the connections between corporate entities and their shareholders, subsidiaries, customers, suppliers, and other related parties. Since our founding in 2015, we have harvested comprehensive corporate and trade data from more than 250 jurisdictions worldwide to surface previously hidden risk in an intuitive network analysis platform.
Kuehne+Nagel
Stand Location: 106
Are you looking for safe and efficient transportation of healthcare products? Would support from a reliable logistics provider help you to focus on the health and well-being of your patients? With over 80,000 employees at almost 1,300 sites in over 100 countries, Kuehne+Nagel is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. Operating in sea, air, road and contract logistics, with a clear focus on integrated logistics solutions. Kuehne+Nagel strives to connect people and goods through sustainable and innovative business solutions. Our sustainability programme embraces the elements of environmental, social and governance topics, so we can deliver social value when it matters the most.
RC Fomax
Stand Location: 140
Bio coming soon
Scale Ai
Stand Location: 104
Make the best models with the best data. Scale Data Engine leverages your enterprise data, and with Scale Generative AI Platform, safely unlocks the value of AI.
Thales
Stand Location: 103
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 77,000 employees on five continents. The Group is investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust. In the markets of defence and security, aerospace and space, digital identity and security, and transport, Thales provides solutions, services and products to help its customers – companies, organisations and governments – to carry out their critical missions.
Jacobs
Infrastructure and Estates Zone Sponsor
Stand Location: 1
Jacobs has more than 10,000 employees in the U.K., helping to tackle some of the country’s most complex challenges. Whether it’s projects focused on addressing the climate emergency, improving our security, or benefiting our communities by improving transportation links and infrastructure, these are just some of the ways we are working to build a better future for all.
Capita
Stand Location: 45
Capita is an outsourcer, helping clients across the public and private sectors run complex business processes more efficiently, creating better consumer experiences. Operating across 8 countries, Capita’s 41,000 colleagues support primarily UK and European clients with people-based services underpinned by market-leading technology. We’re a vital support service for our clients, enabling the everyday interactions that we expect to run seamlessly, to run seamlessly. A publicly listed business with adjusted revenue of £2.6bn, Capita’s areas of focus are Central Government, Local Public Service, Defence, Learning
Moody's Analytics
Gold Sponsor
Stand Location: 97
Moody’s provides data, intelligence and analytical tools to help business and financial leaders make confident decisions. Our reimagined brand heralds the start of a new chapter for Moody’s. However, the values that have been the bedrock of our legacy and success remain the same. Our commitment to our customers’ evolving needs remains at the heart of who we are and what we do. Embedded in this commitment is quality of innovation, insightful analysis and industry-leading expertise that underpin our work. This is our new vision: a brand that positions us for the new Era of Exponential Risk we live in. We look forward to you joining us on the journey ahead.
Sweet Project Holdings
Lanyard Sponsor
Clever Construction for Specialist Industries: Sweet Projects is a turnkey construction company that designs, constructs and manages built environments for the Data, Defence and Energy sectors.
AtkinsRealis UK Limited
Stand Location: 78
engineering a better future for our planet and its people We are a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems.
XMA
Stand Location: 89
XMA are a UK based IT Solution provider with a deep understanding of the UK Public Sector through decades of experience. Once as part of the Westcoast Group and now as an agile single shareholder business, XMA leverage a broad range of capabilities amassed and integrated through organic growth and strategic acquisitions to provide specialist capabilities aimed at the UK Defence & Security sector. These capabilities include but are not limited to End-to-end Hardware management as a service, Cyber Security solutions, End User Devices and Infrastructure optimised for a range of challenging environments and use cases, and we underpin all our solutions with an industry leading, and multiple award winning ESG strategies. XMA are ISO9001, 27001, 14001, 20001 accredited, Cyber Essentials Plus accredited, a JOSCAR listed supplier with top 25% ESG rating, and are featured on over 30 Public Sector Framework Agreements.
Unipart
Gold Sponsor
Stand Location: 46
Unipart is a leading provider of supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies. It has deep expertise and breadth of capabilities in seven core sectors – automotive, rail and public transport, technology, healthcare, aerospace and defence, e-commerce, consumer and retail, and industrial sectors. Unipart’s customer promise is: ‘To understand the real and perceived needs of our customers better than anyone else and to serve them better than anyone else.’ At the heart of delivering this is ‘The Unipart Way’, which is demonstrated in the way colleagues think, work and behave. The Unipart Way empowers more than 12,000 colleagues across operations in the UK and 20 international markets with a continuous improvement mindset, delivering operational excellence and added value for customers, everyday.
REDS Group
Stand Location: 96
REDS deliver complete solutions for the maintenance, inspection and environmental management of fuel and hazmat storage facilities; with expertise ranging from emergency response and environmental monitoring, to storage tank decommissioning and ground remediation. REDS’ nationwide staff are WWW approved and have over 20-years’ experience working within defence estates.
Exyte Hargreaves
Gold Sponsor
Stand Location: 79
Exyte Hargreaves elevates Defence sector HVAC systems from concept to commissioning. We’re a highly experienced QC1 Construction Engineering contractor specialising in HVAC for highly regulated facilities in the Defence sector. We have proven delivery experience in safety critical environments and deliver the best possible outcomes in Cost, Quality, Programme and Safety for all stakeholders. Exyte Hargreaves is a UK based SME with dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing capability. We minimise time on site through DfMA and modularisation. Due to our outstanding quality and safety record, we have been the HVAC partner of choice in Defence for more than a decade.
Service Graphics
Official Print Partner
Stand Location: 50
Service Graphics are the UK’s leading brand for the production of large-format graphics and display solutions. We create visual experiences that connect people with brands. Our teams specialise in Exhibitions, Events, Museums, Luxury Brands, Retail, Sports and Property delivering stand-out graphics that engage audiences, visitors and customers alike
Babcock Land Defence Limited
Platinum Sponsor
Stand Location: 99
Babcock is an international defence company operating in our focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries. We meet our customers' key requirements of affordability, availability, and capability by delivering engineering, support and critical systems to defence and civil markets.
BAE Systems
Stand Location: 120
At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 people in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.
Arcadis
Gold Sponsor
Stand Location: 82
Our purpose is simple, improving quality of life. Today, in an ever-changing world, that purpose has never been more important. Developing scalable solutions that are sustainable and digitally-enabled is the best way we can continue addressing our biggest societal challenges. Through our projects, in our communities and in our work for clients, we enhance human experiences and foster personal, societal, and business growth. Through our passion, our people and the work we do with our clients, we have opportunities to shape the future of our world, every day. Our Values are the foundation of our culture – People First, Integrity, Client Success, Collaboration and Sustainability. Our Behaviours are the way we do things as we uphold all those values. We respect each other. We work as One Team. We deliver on our promises. We always bring our best. We dare to shape the future.
XMA
Stand Location: 89
XMA are a UK based IT Solution provider with a deep understanding of the UK Public Sector through decades of experience. Once as part of the Westcoast Group and now as an agile single shareholder business, XMA leverage a broad range of capabilities amassed and integrated through organic growth and strategic acquisitions to provide specialist capabilities aimed at the UK Defence & Security sector. These capabilities include but are not limited to End-to-end Hardware management as a service, Cyber Security solutions, End User Devices and Infrastructure optimised for a range of challenging environments and use cases, and we underpin all our solutions with an industry leading, and multiple award winning ESG strategies. XMA are ISO9001, 27001, 14001, 20001 accredited, Cyber Essentials Plus accredited, a JOSCAR listed supplier with top 25% ESG rating, and are featured on over 30 Public Sector Framework Agreements.
Unipart
Gold Sponsor
Stand Location: 46
Unipart is a leading provider of supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies. It has deep expertise and breadth of capabilities in seven core sectors – automotive, rail and public transport, technology, healthcare, aerospace and defence, e-commerce, consumer and retail, and industrial sectors. Unipart’s customer promise is: ‘To understand the real and perceived needs of our customers better than anyone else and to serve them better than anyone else.’ At the heart of delivering this is ‘The Unipart Way’, which is demonstrated in the way colleagues think, work and behave. The Unipart Way empowers more than 12,000 colleagues across operations in the UK and 20 international markets with a continuous improvement mindset, delivering operational excellence and added value for customers, everyday.
REDS Group
Stand Location: 96
REDS deliver complete solutions for the maintenance, inspection and environmental management of fuel and hazmat storage facilities; with expertise ranging from emergency response and environmental monitoring, to storage tank decommissioning and ground remediation. REDS’ nationwide staff are WWW approved and have over 20-years’ experience working within defence estates.
Exyte Hargreaves
Gold Sponsor
Stand Location: 79
Exyte Hargreaves elevates Defence sector HVAC systems from concept to commissioning. We’re a highly experienced QC1 Construction Engineering contractor specialising in HVAC for highly regulated facilities in the Defence sector. We have proven delivery experience in safety critical environments and deliver the best possible outcomes in Cost, Quality, Programme and Safety for all stakeholders. Exyte Hargreaves is a UK based SME with dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing capability. We minimise time on site through DfMA and modularisation. Due to our outstanding quality and safety record, we have been the HVAC partner of choice in Defence for more than a decade.
Service Graphics
Official Print Partner
Stand Location: 50
Service Graphics are the UK’s leading brand for the production of large-format graphics and display solutions. We create visual experiences that connect people with brands. Our teams specialise in Exhibitions, Events, Museums, Luxury Brands, Retail, Sports and Property delivering stand-out graphics that engage audiences, visitors and customers alike
Babcock Land Defence Limited
Platinum Sponsor
Stand Location: 99
Babcock is an international defence company operating in our focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries. We meet our customers' key requirements of affordability, availability, and capability by delivering engineering, support and critical systems to defence and civil markets.
Arcadis
Gold Sponsor
Stand Location: 82
Our purpose is simple, improving quality of life. Today, in an ever-changing world, that purpose has never been more important. Developing scalable solutions that are sustainable and digitally-enabled is the best way we can continue addressing our biggest societal challenges. Through our projects, in our communities and in our work for clients, we enhance human experiences and foster personal, societal, and business growth. Through our passion, our people and the work we do with our clients, we have opportunities to shape the future of our world, every day. Our Values are the foundation of our culture – People First, Integrity, Client Success, Collaboration and Sustainability. Our Behaviours are the way we do things as we uphold all those values. We respect each other. We work as One Team. We deliver on our promises. We always bring our best. We dare to shape the future.