Uniting Defence Procurement
DPRTE 2020, the UK’s leading annual defence procurement and supply chain event, is uniquely designed to support those organisations and personnel who are actively engaged across the UK’s ever-changing £20bn+ defence acquisition supply chain, at both buyer and supplier level.
Bringing together over 1500 key decision makers and officially supported by the Ministry of Defence and the UK’s leading defence procurement organisations, this one-day event designed to enhance skills, knowledge and collaboration will host a vast array of interactive and educational features for both buyers and suppliers, including:
- 6 Networking & Collaboration Zones
- 5 Knowledge Transfer Zones, featuring over 35 training sessions
- Live Keynote Arena
- Product Showcase Exhibition
Be part of shaping the future of defence procurement by booking your place today >
Confirmed Speakers include
James Heappey MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Defence Procurement)
Andrew Forzani
UK Ministry of DefenceChief Commercial Officer
Air Commodore Rich Withnall
UK Defence Medical ServicesMedical Director
Ruth Todd
Submarine Delivery AgencyCommercial Director
Gary Aitkenhead
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)Chief Executive
Colonel Tim Collins OBE
Leadership and Motivational Speaker
Jim Carter
MODCommercial Director, Supply Chain
Jacqui Rock
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)Commercial Director
Speaker - James Heappey MP
James Heappey MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Defence Procurement)
James served in the Army reaching the rank of Major, in a career spanning ten years. He served on operations in Kabul in 2005, Northern Ireland in 2006, Basra in 2007 and Sangin in Helmand Province in 2009.
Having been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Wells on December 12th, Mr Heappey said he is ‘honoured’ to take up this prestigious role.
He said: “In a changing world, with so many threats to our national security, I am honoured to be joining the ministerial team at the Ministry of Defence.
“I know that so many in our local community support our Armed Forces and I look forward to now taking up this important role, ensuring our Armed Forces are properly equipped for the mission we ask them to do on our nation’s behalf.
“Constituents can be assured that my highest priority will always be the service of our local community and so whilst I am now a voice for Somerset in Government, I also remain focused on delivering the plan you elected me to implement last week.”
Speaker - Andrew Forzani
Andrew Forzani
UK Ministry of Defence Chief Commercial Officer
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.
He has also led transformation and improvement programmes across commercial functions including in local government where he established one of the largest procurement shared services in the UK and at the DWP, where he led a major transformation which saw them implement a new operating model and turnaround significant contracts across their IT and Estates spend. Andrew has also been a Crown Representative responsible for HM Government relationships with suppliers in the IT and Property sectors.
Andrew is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at the UK Ministry of Defence and is the senior responsible advisor across Defence for commercial and industrial issues. The role also covers the overall functional leadership of over 2,000 procurement and commercial professionals in Defence. The commercial function covers an annual spend in excess of £20bn across a diverse and complex set of programmes and categories covering major platform acquisition, infrastructure, estates and FM and IT & digital.
Andrew is also leading an Acquisition Review across Defence as part of the Departments transformation programme which is looking to fundamentally improve the way in which we acquire military capability in the future.
In addition, Andrew is one of the senior leaders of the Government Commercial Organisation and has been instrumental in helping to set the overall strategy and direction across the Civil Service. Andrew has led and championed a number of the people and capability initiatives across this new organisation to ensure they are fit for purpose and embedded effectively across government.
Speaker - Air Commodore Rich Withnall
Air Commodore Rich Withnall
UK Defence Medical Services Medical Director
Air Commodore Rich Withnall joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a Medical Cadet in 1990 and qualified from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London in 1992. He undertook General Practice Vocational Training at Princess Mary’s RAF Hospital, Halton and Peterborough Hospitals National Health Service Trust. His UK postings have included Senior Medical Officer appointments on fast jet, multi-engine and rotary flying stations, and the RAF’s recruit Phase 1 training unit. He has undertaken Command & Staff appointments at HQ Personnel and Training Command, HQ AIR Command, HQ Surgeon General and the Ministry of Defence. His overseas experience includes Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Denmark, the Falkland Islands, Ghana, Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Norway, Romania and the United Arab Emirates.
He was appointed as Advisor in General Practice (RAF) in 2005, then undertook the Advanced Command & Staff Course in 2007-8, winning both the Brooke-Popham Prize for the Best Defence Research Paper and the Sir Michael Howard Prize for the Best MA student. After a tour as SO1 Med Pol in the Ministry of Defence, Rich returned to HQ AIR Command as Deputy Director Health Services (RAF) in 2010. He was selected as the first RAF Defence Professor of General Practice & Primary Care in 2013. In 2017, he became the first primary care clinician to be appointed as the Defence Medical Services’ Medical Director.
Rich has remained clinically current throughout, revalidating with a licence to practise in 2013. He is on the National Performers List. An accredited GP Trainer and Appraiser Trainer since 2002, and an RCGP Examiner since 2005, Rich became a Fellow of the RCGP in 2006. He is a member of RCGP Council, the RCGP’s International Medical Director, and Deputy Clinical Lead for the MRCGP Clinical Skills Assessment. He is the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s GP Advisor, a GP Specialty Advisor to the UK Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, and Convener of the World Organisation of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Association of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA) Special Interest Group on Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine. Rich is a Chartered Manager and has undertaken the RAF’s Strategic Leadership and Development Programme.
He lives in the Cotswolds with his wife and two children. He remains a keen motorcyclist and fly-fisherman but, despite being very proud to have captained the RAF Medical Services rugby team, Rich has now hung-up his rugby boots in favour of season tickets at Gloucester Rugby (where watching is sometimes more painful than playing!)
Speaker - Ruth Todd
Ruth Todd
Submarine Delivery Agency Commercial Director
Ruth Todd has 30 years’ experience in supply chain management, logistics and consultancy in a variety of private sector businesses.
Most recently she worked for Babcock International where she managed the Land Equipment Support Supply Chain. Prior to that she helped Jaguar Land Rover develop its inbound logistics strategy and led the programme to deliver that change.
Ruth spent 14 years in consultancy and had the opportunity to support aerospace, defence, automotive and industrial sectors, both in front line manufacturing and support services, always in complex environments. Much of her career has been in transformational management; leading teams through change to deliver practical operational improvements.
Her early career was in the automotive sector working in production, supply chain, procurement and strategy roles. She has a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transportation.
Speaker - Gary Aitkenhead
Gary Aitkenhead
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Chief Executive
Gary has a broad background in Technology Research & Development and Commercial leadership with a track record of revenue growth and business transformation. After achieving a first class honours degree from the University of Strathclyde in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Gary spent much of his career in the development and supply of mission-critical wireless communications solutions to public safety, industrial and transportation sectors. Gary held senior positions (Vice President) at Motorola Solutions and latterly Sepura plc for more than 20 years, covering sales, services, operations and product management. Gary’s experience includes both global and regional (Europe, Middle East and Africa) roles and profit/loss responsibility of more than $1B. He was appointed Chief Executive of Dstl in January 2018 and leads this government organisation of over 4000 scientists and engineers providing specialist, and in many cases world-leading expertise, across a wide-range of disciplines.
Married, with three daughters, Gary lives in Hampshire. His interests include cooking, the outdoors and mountain biking.
Speaker - Colonel Tim Collins OBE
Colonel Tim Collins OBE
Leadership and Motivational Speaker
Colonel Tim Collins OBE delivered the infamous speech to British troops of the 1st Royal Irish Battle Group on the eve of battle in March 2003. With a copy of the speech now hanging in the Oval Office of the White House, the notoriety and strength of this speech is shown by its prominence around the world. Collins’ words made him an overnight hero with world leaders and infantrymen globally. A terrific motivational speaker, Tim can utilise his vast array of anecdotal tales to intrigue and engage with guests.
Tim has served in the Gulf War, Colombia, Zaire, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. A naturally inspiring and motivational speaker, Tim combines his broad knowledge of both political and military history with tales of his active service. A pre-eminent authority on teamwork, leadership and motivation, Collins can provide clear parallels as a motivational speaker between everyday leadership in business and personal life with military problem solving tasks.
A fantastic event and conference host, Tim’s interesting approach to the delivery of his thoughts provide a great perspective to everyday problems, striking a chord with every audience member as a leadership speaker. Tim’s leadership advice is summarised in a handful of rules; Pick the right team, know what your plan and objectives are, make sure everyone has a role and it is communicated to them and understand responsibilities as a leader while trusting your team.
Speaker - Jim Carter
Jim Carter
MOD Commercial Director, Supply Chain
Jim is Commercial Director, Supply Chain, at the Ministry of Defence responsible for the overall supplier and market interface. He leads a Supplier Management team and is responsible for delivering and embedding a new Strategic Supplier Management approach across Defence, helping transform our supplier relationships and improving our broader industry engagement Prior to this he was Transformation Director in the Cabinet Office Governmnet Commercial Function, helping improve the capacity and capability of Commercial Specialists across Government, winning Best People Development Initiative at the CIPS Awards 2018. He's had a 20-year Commercial career including Commercial Director at Network Rail, the UK's rail infrastructure provider, where his team procured and managed categories as diverse as ballast to business consultancy. For his transformation work at Network Rail Jim won the CIPS Procurement and Supply Chain Professional of the Year Awards in 2013.
Speaker - Jacqui Rock
Jacqui Rock
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Commercial Director
Jacqueline Rock is the Commercial Director for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation within the Ministry of Defence.
She joined in December 2017 following a 30-year career in Investment Banking, where she had a diverse career, with the last 15 years being in Chief Procurement Officer roles. Moving to the public sector, the Civil Service and the Ministry of Defence was therefore quite a big change for her from a culture perspective, however she believes that delivering best in class commercial and procurement capability remains the same regardless of public or private sector.
Jacqui is leading her team through significant transformation and management of a >400 defence infrastructure and construction contract portfolio with a value of £3bn.
Testimonials
A vibrant, energetic and well managed event. Broad and relevant demographic of delegate who engaged and seemed to enjoy their time at the event. The Powercube stand was in constant flow with a tangible level of interest in our bespoke ruggedised container solutions, I would recommend any business wishing to engage the Defence sector to consider the unique benefits offered by BIP and DPRTE.
Exhibitor - DPRTE 2019
It’s been a really good atmosphere at the event – People are really interested in finding our more about the requirements of the sector
Marketing Coordinator - Miele GB
It’s important for Dell to sponsor DPRTE to prove that we are one of the main players within defence and to get in front of the customers
Rugged Mobility/Workstation Specialist, UK&I Sales Lead - Dell
DPRTE brings together a whole community of buyers and bidders
Sales and Marketing Director - Commerce Decisions
Suppliers have the opportunity to meet right across defence, not only the Front Line Commands but also all of the supporting functions
Commercial Director - Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)
The highlight for me was the opportunity to speak to organisations that I really didn’t know existed
Commercial Officer - Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA)
It’s all about communication; an event like this is really valuable
Commercial Director Supply Chain - UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Sponsors
Pinnacle Group
Pinnacle Group
Sponsor Type: Headline Platinum Sponsor Stand Number: 70
Pinnacle provides people-first, management and maintenance services across a range of community-facing assets and infrastructure including housing, schools, open spaces, public buildings, utilities and broadband networks. Founded 25 years ago our origins are rooted in the delivery of housing services on behalf of local authorities and housing associations.
View WebsiteNDI
NDI
Supporting Partner Sponsor
NDI, EEF’s defence experts, offer supply chain sourcing and development services to businesses of all sizes in the defence, aerospace, space and security sectors.
Additionally, NDI offers membership to companies in these sectors, providing representation and policymaking influence to magnify the voice of the industry and individual companies. NDI actively promotes global business opportunities for its members, through working directly with prime contractors, systems integrators, the MoD, and supply network companies.
Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK
Sponsor Type: Official Cyber Security Sponsor
Vodafone UK connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed line connections, home and office broadband and the Internet of Things (IoT). Today we serve more than 18 million mobile and fixed line customers in the UK, with 4G network coverage at 99%.
View WebsiteAstute Electronics
Commerce Decisions
Commerce Decisions
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor
Commerce Decisions delivers the AWARD® strategic evaluation and ADVANCE™ bid management solutions. Together they support the delivery of the best possible outcome on complex, high risk procurements.
AWARD® has been deployed by the UK MOD since 2001; providing project teams with the confidence that they are dealing with procurement challenges efficiently, meeting the demands of procurement regulations and delivering robust decisions that are open to external scrutiny.
The ADVANCE™ software solution brings focus and structure to the bidding process, proven to increase bid scores by up to 7%.
View WebsiteDell Technologies
Dell Technologies
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor Stand Number: 55
Dell is working together with Government organisations, Defence Systems Integrators and Defence Contractors in simplifying the acquisition of secure, agile solutions tailored for the demands of defending national interests.
The approach focusses on practical innovation, efficient and affordable solutions and a superior customer relationship model, to meet four key customer imperatives: Transform, Connect, Inform, Protect.
View WebsiteKBR
Softcat
Softcat
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor
Softcat is proud to be one of the UK’s leading IT infrastructure providers. We are one of the UK’s leading IT infrastructure providers and a FTSE 250 listed company. We’re passionate about outstanding employee satisfaction and world-class customer service – both of which inspire our flexible, friendly approach to business.
View WebsiteSTANLEY Security
STANLEY Security
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor
A global provider of integrated fire and security solutions for local, regional, multi-site and national organisations. STANLEY Security have worked in the public sector for many years, collaborating with commercial, industrial and government organisations to meet demanding security requirements that deliver value for money through new technology and systems integration
View WebsiteTeam Leidos
Veolia
Veolia
Sponsor Type: Keynote Arena Sponsor Stand Number: 103
We work in partnership with organisations of all sizes across the defence sector to find solutions that deliver significant value by increasing operational efficiencies and reducing costs. Our services help to reduce your carbon impact and water footprint by preserving scarce resources, raising environmental standards and preventing pollution.
View WebsiteBMT
BMT
Sponsor Type: Knowledge Transfer Zone Sponsor Stand Number: 10
BMT provides independent technical expertise and consultancy. We offer design solutions, asset management, programme delivery and technology services in the defence, security, transport, energy and infrastructure markets. We tackle the most complex engineering and programme challenges, blending capabilities from the spectrum of engineering disciplines to deliver enduring and value-adding solutions.
View WebsiteCostain
Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech
Sponsor Type: Knowledge Transfer Zone Sponsor
Tetra Tech (which now includes WYG) employs 20,000 expert project managers, designers, engineers and scientists working on some of the most important Defence projects across the world, solving challenging and complex problems. Leading with Science® we provide technology enabled, sustainable and resilient solutions for our clients.
View WebsiteCDS Defence & Security
CDS Defence & Security
Sponsor Type: Lanyard Sponsor
CDS Defence & Security is a technical consultancy working to enhance operational effectiveness and bring about behavioural change in the defence and security sector. Through support engineering, we ensure the safe and effective use of defence equipment. Through training, we help to shape the development of future leadership in the Armed Forces, and through Information Assurance, we protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, data and knowledge.
View WebsiteSBL
SBL
Sponsor Type: Delegate Bag Sponsor
SBL is a vendor independent, enterprise level specialist in the supply of security and software solutions, hardware and professional services including training and consultancy. We have particular expertise in cyber security and over 30 years’ experience helping customers to address their IT challenges.
View WebsiteSpeaker - James Heappey MP
James Heappey MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Defence Procurement)
James served in the Army reaching the rank of Major, in a career spanning ten years. He served on operations in Kabul in 2005, Northern Ireland in 2006, Basra in 2007 and Sangin in Helmand Province in 2009.
Having been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Wells on December 12th, Mr Heappey said he is ‘honoured’ to take up this prestigious role.
He said: “In a changing world, with so many threats to our national security, I am honoured to be joining the ministerial team at the Ministry of Defence.
“I know that so many in our local community support our Armed Forces and I look forward to now taking up this important role, ensuring our Armed Forces are properly equipped for the mission we ask them to do on our nation’s behalf.
“Constituents can be assured that my highest priority will always be the service of our local community and so whilst I am now a voice for Somerset in Government, I also remain focused on delivering the plan you elected me to implement last week.”
Speaker - Andrew Forzani
Andrew Forzani
UK Ministry of Defence Chief Commercial Officer
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.
He has also led transformation and improvement programmes across commercial functions including in local government where he established one of the largest procurement shared services in the UK and at the DWP, where he led a major transformation which saw them implement a new operating model and turnaround significant contracts across their IT and Estates spend. Andrew has also been a Crown Representative responsible for HM Government relationships with suppliers in the IT and Property sectors.
Andrew is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at the UK Ministry of Defence and is the senior responsible advisor across Defence for commercial and industrial issues. The role also covers the overall functional leadership of over 2,000 procurement and commercial professionals in Defence. The commercial function covers an annual spend in excess of £20bn across a diverse and complex set of programmes and categories covering major platform acquisition, infrastructure, estates and FM and IT & digital.
Andrew is also leading an Acquisition Review across Defence as part of the Departments transformation programme which is looking to fundamentally improve the way in which we acquire military capability in the future.
In addition, Andrew is one of the senior leaders of the Government Commercial Organisation and has been instrumental in helping to set the overall strategy and direction across the Civil Service. Andrew has led and championed a number of the people and capability initiatives across this new organisation to ensure they are fit for purpose and embedded effectively across government.
Speaker - Air Commodore Rich Withnall
Air Commodore Rich Withnall
UK Defence Medical Services Medical Director
Air Commodore Rich Withnall joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a Medical Cadet in 1990 and qualified from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London in 1992. He undertook General Practice Vocational Training at Princess Mary’s RAF Hospital, Halton and Peterborough Hospitals National Health Service Trust. His UK postings have included Senior Medical Officer appointments on fast jet, multi-engine and rotary flying stations, and the RAF’s recruit Phase 1 training unit. He has undertaken Command & Staff appointments at HQ Personnel and Training Command, HQ AIR Command, HQ Surgeon General and the Ministry of Defence. His overseas experience includes Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Denmark, the Falkland Islands, Ghana, Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Norway, Romania and the United Arab Emirates.
He was appointed as Advisor in General Practice (RAF) in 2005, then undertook the Advanced Command & Staff Course in 2007-8, winning both the Brooke-Popham Prize for the Best Defence Research Paper and the Sir Michael Howard Prize for the Best MA student. After a tour as SO1 Med Pol in the Ministry of Defence, Rich returned to HQ AIR Command as Deputy Director Health Services (RAF) in 2010. He was selected as the first RAF Defence Professor of General Practice & Primary Care in 2013. In 2017, he became the first primary care clinician to be appointed as the Defence Medical Services’ Medical Director.
Rich has remained clinically current throughout, revalidating with a licence to practise in 2013. He is on the National Performers List. An accredited GP Trainer and Appraiser Trainer since 2002, and an RCGP Examiner since 2005, Rich became a Fellow of the RCGP in 2006. He is a member of RCGP Council, the RCGP’s International Medical Director, and Deputy Clinical Lead for the MRCGP Clinical Skills Assessment. He is the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s GP Advisor, a GP Specialty Advisor to the UK Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, and Convener of the World Organisation of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Association of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA) Special Interest Group on Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine. Rich is a Chartered Manager and has undertaken the RAF’s Strategic Leadership and Development Programme.
He lives in the Cotswolds with his wife and two children. He remains a keen motorcyclist and fly-fisherman but, despite being very proud to have captained the RAF Medical Services rugby team, Rich has now hung-up his rugby boots in favour of season tickets at Gloucester Rugby (where watching is sometimes more painful than playing!)
Speaker - Ruth Todd
Ruth Todd
Submarine Delivery Agency Commercial Director
Ruth Todd has 30 years’ experience in supply chain management, logistics and consultancy in a variety of private sector businesses.
Most recently she worked for Babcock International where she managed the Land Equipment Support Supply Chain. Prior to that she helped Jaguar Land Rover develop its inbound logistics strategy and led the programme to deliver that change.
Ruth spent 14 years in consultancy and had the opportunity to support aerospace, defence, automotive and industrial sectors, both in front line manufacturing and support services, always in complex environments. Much of her career has been in transformational management; leading teams through change to deliver practical operational improvements.
Her early career was in the automotive sector working in production, supply chain, procurement and strategy roles. She has a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transportation.
Speaker - Gary Aitkenhead
Gary Aitkenhead
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Chief Executive
Gary has a broad background in Technology Research & Development and Commercial leadership with a track record of revenue growth and business transformation. After achieving a first class honours degree from the University of Strathclyde in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Gary spent much of his career in the development and supply of mission-critical wireless communications solutions to public safety, industrial and transportation sectors. Gary held senior positions (Vice President) at Motorola Solutions and latterly Sepura plc for more than 20 years, covering sales, services, operations and product management. Gary’s experience includes both global and regional (Europe, Middle East and Africa) roles and profit/loss responsibility of more than $1B. He was appointed Chief Executive of Dstl in January 2018 and leads this government organisation of over 4000 scientists and engineers providing specialist, and in many cases world-leading expertise, across a wide-range of disciplines.
Married, with three daughters, Gary lives in Hampshire. His interests include cooking, the outdoors and mountain biking.
Speaker - Colonel Tim Collins OBE
Colonel Tim Collins OBE
Leadership and Motivational Speaker
Colonel Tim Collins OBE delivered the infamous speech to British troops of the 1st Royal Irish Battle Group on the eve of battle in March 2003. With a copy of the speech now hanging in the Oval Office of the White House, the notoriety and strength of this speech is shown by its prominence around the world. Collins’ words made him an overnight hero with world leaders and infantrymen globally. A terrific motivational speaker, Tim can utilise his vast array of anecdotal tales to intrigue and engage with guests.
Tim has served in the Gulf War, Colombia, Zaire, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. A naturally inspiring and motivational speaker, Tim combines his broad knowledge of both political and military history with tales of his active service. A pre-eminent authority on teamwork, leadership and motivation, Collins can provide clear parallels as a motivational speaker between everyday leadership in business and personal life with military problem solving tasks.
A fantastic event and conference host, Tim’s interesting approach to the delivery of his thoughts provide a great perspective to everyday problems, striking a chord with every audience member as a leadership speaker. Tim’s leadership advice is summarised in a handful of rules; Pick the right team, know what your plan and objectives are, make sure everyone has a role and it is communicated to them and understand responsibilities as a leader while trusting your team.
Speaker - Jim Carter
Jim Carter
MOD Commercial Director, Supply Chain
Jim is Commercial Director, Supply Chain, at the Ministry of Defence responsible for the overall supplier and market interface. He leads a Supplier Management team and is responsible for delivering and embedding a new Strategic Supplier Management approach across Defence, helping transform our supplier relationships and improving our broader industry engagement Prior to this he was Transformation Director in the Cabinet Office Governmnet Commercial Function, helping improve the capacity and capability of Commercial Specialists across Government, winning Best People Development Initiative at the CIPS Awards 2018. He's had a 20-year Commercial career including Commercial Director at Network Rail, the UK's rail infrastructure provider, where his team procured and managed categories as diverse as ballast to business consultancy. For his transformation work at Network Rail Jim won the CIPS Procurement and Supply Chain Professional of the Year Awards in 2013.
Speaker - Jacqui Rock
Jacqui Rock
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Commercial Director
Jacqueline Rock is the Commercial Director for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation within the Ministry of Defence.
She joined in December 2017 following a 30-year career in Investment Banking, where she had a diverse career, with the last 15 years being in Chief Procurement Officer roles. Moving to the public sector, the Civil Service and the Ministry of Defence was therefore quite a big change for her from a culture perspective, however she believes that delivering best in class commercial and procurement capability remains the same regardless of public or private sector.
Jacqui is leading her team through significant transformation and management of a >400 defence infrastructure and construction contract portfolio with a value of £3bn.
Partners
Partner - Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Ministry of Defence (MOD)
We work for a secure and prosperous United Kingdom with global reach and influence. We will protect our people, territories, values and interests at home and overseas, through strong armed forces and in partnership with allies, to ensure our security, support our national interests and safeguard our prosperity. MOD is a ministerial department, supported by 27 agencies and public bodies.
Partner - Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)
Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)
Defence Equipment and Support equips and supports the UK’s Armed Forces for current and future operations. Employing approximately 18,000 people with a budget of some £14bn, DE&S has headquarters in Bristol with other sites across the UK and overseas. DE&S acquires and supports equipment and services including ships, aircraft, vehicles and weapons, information systems and satellite communications.
Website: https://des.mod.uk/Partner - The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
Dstl brings together the defence and security S&T community, including industry, academia, wider Government and international partners, to provide sensitive and specialist S&T services to MOD and wider Government.
Partner - Defence and Security Accelerator
Defence and Security Accelerator
We find and fund exploitable innovations to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity. 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.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-and-security-acceleratorPartner - Department for International Trade Defence & Security Organisation (DIT DSO)
Department for International Trade Defence & Security Organisation (DIT DSO)
The aim of Department for International Trade (DIT) is to help UK companies to win overseas business in these lucrative markets. DIT works with industry to build and maintain relationships with overseas customers, providing the essential government-to-government interaction.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-trade-and-investment-defence-and-security-organisationPartner - Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) plays a vital role in supporting our armed forces by building, maintaining and servicing the infrastructure needed to support defence.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-infrastructure-organisation%C2%A0Partner - UK Defence Solutions Centre (UKDSC)
UK Defence Solutions Centre (UKDSC)
The UK Defence Solution Centre (UKDSC) is the core of the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) enterprise, a unique collaboration between the UK’s leading defence companies and UK government, including the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department of International Trade (DIT).
Website: http://www.ukdsc.org/Partner - MOD - Defence Cyber Protection Partnership
MOD - Defence Cyber Protection Partnership
The DCPP is a partnership between MOD and industry to decide upon cyber security standards across the defence supply chain. Their Cyber Security Model went live in April 2017 for tier one suppliers and was extended to all in October 2017. Proportionate protection is a key principle of this initiative.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/defence-cyber-protection-partnershipPartner - US DOD
US DOD
The Department of Defense is an executive branch department of the US federal government charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government concerned directly with national security and the United States Armed Forces.
Website: https://www.defense.gov/Partner - Australian Department Of Defence
Australian Department Of Defence
The Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) is part of the Australian Department of Defence. In 2017-18 we spent more than $12.9 billion acquiring and sustaining military equipment and services for the Australian Defence Force. We look to be recognised and respected as a global leader in Defence materiel solutions.
Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/Partner - SBRI / Innovate UK
SBRI / Innovate UK
SBRI is a well-established process to connect public sector challenges with innovative ideas from industry. It generates new business opportunities for companies, provides SMEs a route to market for their ideas and bridges the seed funding gap experienced by many early stage companies. It supports economic growth and enables the development of innovative products and services through the public procurement of R&D.
Website: https://sbri.innovateuk.org/Partner - Knowledge Transfer Network
Knowledge Transfer Network
Established to foster better collaboration between science, creativity and business, KTN has specialist teams covering all sectors of the economy – from defence and aerospace to the creative industries, the built environment to biotechnology and robotics. KTN has helped thousands of businesses secure funding to drive innovation. And we support them through their business cycle to see that investment through to success.
Website: http://www.ktn-uk.co.uk/Partner - Crown Commercial Service
Crown Commercial Service
CCS is the UK’s biggest public procurement organisation. We work closely with the MoD to save time and money buying business goods and services so they can focus on front-line services. Our solutions are free of charge, and help achieve maximum value by leveraging commercial expertise and national buying power.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-servicePartner - NDI
NDI
Supporting Partner Sponsor
NDI, EEF’s defence experts, offer supply chain sourcing and development services to businesses of all sizes in the defence, aerospace, space and security sectors.
Additionally, NDI offers membership to companies in these sectors, providing representation and policymaking influence to magnify the voice of the industry and individual companies. NDI actively promotes global business opportunities for its members, through working directly with prime contractors, systems integrators, the MoD, and supply network companies.
Partner - MOD Air Commercial Team
MOD Air Commercial Team
Stand Number: Equipment & Supplies Pavilion
The Air Commercial Team of highly trained and qualified procurement and sales specialists provides expert commercial advice and guidance to Air Command. The team is responsible for developing and implementing commercial solutions for service related requirements and provides a specialist procurement and contract management service to the Royal Air Force.
Partner - Army Commercial
Army Commercial
The Army Commercial team provides critical Commercial Support to the Army across a wide range of its activity. The team of Commercial experts are pivotal in ensuring the Army can deliver their operational capability on the front line. We provide commercial advice to the Army, enter into contractual commitments, manage contracts and the relationship with Industry and seek to drive efficiencies at all stages of the acquisition cycle.
Website: https://www.army.mod.uk/Partner - Navy Commercial
Navy Commercial
Navy Commercial provide commercial services to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary across a wide range of its activities and our team of Commercial experts are fundamental in enabling their objectives are met. We provide advice on the procurement process, departmental strategy and policy and market and sourcing options, we enter into contractual commitments and manage the contracts and relationships with industry whilst seeking to drive efficiencies at all stages of the acquisition cycle.
Website: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Partner - Submarine Delivery Agency
Submarine Delivery Agency
The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence. The vision and primary purpose of the SDA is to lead a high-performing, industrial enterprise to deliver the United Kingdom’s submarine capability safely and securely, and more effectively and cost-efficiently every year.
Website: https://des.mod.uk/job_categories/sda/Partner - ADS Group
ADS Group
ADS represents and supports over 1100 UK businesses operating in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. We are a quality organisation and as such we have successfully been accredited for the ISO9001:2015 Standard and Cyber Essentials Plus.
ADS membership benefits include:
- Dedicated business development support
- A tailored events programme
- Representation through one influential voice
- Specialist insight and knowledge
- Brand exposure in relevant markets
- A range of business support services
Whether representing industry or driving forward innovation and growth, ADS is at the forefront of these activities. Our membership ranges from SMEs to global primes
Website: https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/Partner - techUK
techUK
techUK represents the companies and technologies that are defining today the world that we will live in tomorrow. techUK membership is constructed of over 950 companies, who collectively employ approximately 700,000 people, about half of all tech sector jobs in the UK. These companies range from leading FTSE 100 companies to new innovative start-ups from a number of UK members covering a range of sectors; Defence, Security, Health, Finance and Energy. Two thirds of our members are small and medium-sized businesses.
techUK is committed to helping its members and the sector grow. For more information please visit: www.techuk.org
Website: http://www.techuk.org/Partner - Cranfield University
Cranfield University
Cranfield University is one of the world’s leading universities for defence and security education, research and consultancy.
Our staff and facilities are at the forefront of their fields, offering a diverse range of capabilities from energetics and forensic sciences to international stabilisation and cyber security.
Website: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/Partner - MOD Defence Contracts Online
MOD Defence Contracts Online
MOD Defence Contracts Online / Bulletin is the only official source of UK MOD contract opportunities, giving you completely FREE access to all UK MOD contracts and awards over £10,000 in one place. Register today with www.contracts.mod.uk and create your unique supplier profile to receive daily email alerts containing the latest UK MOD opportunities relevant to your business.
Website: https://www.contracts.mod.uk/publication/Partner - Defence Contracts International
Defence Contracts International
Defence Contracts International is the world’s leading global defence and security intelligence solution. DCI provides customers with an all-encompassing overview of their marketplace including all the knowledge and tools they require to gain that all-important first mover advantage. DCI’s precision intelligence allows businesses to unleash their growth potential across the defence, security and counter terrorism, emergency.
Website: https://www.contracts.mod.uk/defence-media/mod-defence-contracts-bulletin/Partner - Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials
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.
Partner - Defence Online
Defence Online
Defence Online, the official media partner of DPRTE is one of the fastest-growing communities of key decision makers representing defence sector buyers and influencers within the Ministry of Defence, Prime Contractors and Industry. Providing up-to-date and informative news, insight and intelligence, Defence Online allows organisations to engage directly with a range of sector-based solutions, designed specifically to enhance your knowledge and understanding of this ever-evolving marketplace.
Website: https://www.defenceonline.co.uk/Partner - Procurement Advice and Support Service (PASS)
Procurement Advice and Support Service (PASS)
PASS procurement consultants present at over one hundred conferences and events each year as well as delivering in-house training and consultancy for both public and private sector clients.
Our training sessions are designed to cover the legal requirements of public procurement in a non-legalistic manner, using real life examples to help simplify the rules.
Thousands of organisations, public and private, have already benefited from PASS best practice tendering/procurement events and advice.
Whether you work within public sector procurement or tender for public sector contracts, PASS can help you improve your efficiency and effectiveness.
Website: http://www.passprocurement.co.uk/Partner - UKNCB
UKNCB
Stand Number: 134
UKNCB catalogue everything that the Armed Forces use assigning NATO Stock Numbers (NSN) to this equipment. Being part of this catalogue is key for selling to UK and overseas militaries. UKNCB offer NATO codification services to UK companies to support the marketing and sales of their products to overseas governments.
Website: https://www.ncb.mod.uk/ncbportal/Partner - Airbus
Airbus
As a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services, Airbus supplies the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners and the widest range of helicopters on the market. The Airbus Defence and Space business is also a European leader and a most innovative defence and space company, providing UAS, tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe’s number one space enterprise and the world’s second largest space business, providing world-leading satellites and space services. It is also a leading provider of resilient secure communications, Border Security, cyber security and intelligence solutions. The company is a key supplier to UK Government, armed forces and police and emergency services.
Website: https://www.airbus.com/Partner - QinetiQ
QinetiQ
QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company. We operate at the leading edge of science and engineering and employ over 6,000 people, including more than 3,000 scientists and engineers. Playing a central role in capability generation and assurance for our customers, helping them deliver operational and competitive advantage.
Create it. Test it. Use it
Website: http://www.qinetiq.com/Partner - Lockheed Martin
Partner - GE Aviation
Partner - Commerce Decisions
Commerce Decisions
Commerce Decisions delivers the AWARD® strategic evaluation and ADVANCE™ bid management solutions. Together they support the delivery of the best possible outcome on complex, high risk procurements.
AWARD® has been deployed by the UK MOD since 2001; providing project teams with the confidence that they are dealing with procurement challenges efficiently, meeting the demands of procurement regulations and delivering robust decisions that are open to external scrutiny.
The ADVANCE™ software solution brings focus and structure to the bidding process, proven to increase bid scores by up to 7%.
Website: https://www.commercedecisions.com/Partner - Ratheon UK
Ratheon UK
Raytheon UK is a technology company focused on Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Intelligence with sites across the UK; in England, Scotland and Wales. A fully owned subsidiary of Raytheon in the US, a listed technology company, we’ve been in the UK, in one form or another, for more than 100 years. Currently, we contribute £700 million to the UK economy and are responsible for 10,000 jobs within Raytheon and within the supply chain.
Website: http://www.raytheon.co.uk/Pinnacle Group
Pinnacle Group
Sponsor Type: Headline Platinum Sponsor Stand Number: 70
Pinnacle provides people-first, management and maintenance services across a range of community-facing assets and infrastructure including housing, schools, open spaces, public buildings, utilities and broadband networks. Founded 25 years ago our origins are rooted in the delivery of housing services on behalf of local authorities and housing associations.
View WebsiteNDI
NDI
Supporting Partner Sponsor
NDI, EEF’s defence experts, offer supply chain sourcing and development services to businesses of all sizes in the defence, aerospace, space and security sectors.
Additionally, NDI offers membership to companies in these sectors, providing representation and policymaking influence to magnify the voice of the industry and individual companies. NDI actively promotes global business opportunities for its members, through working directly with prime contractors, systems integrators, the MoD, and supply network companies.
Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK
Sponsor Type: Official Cyber Security Sponsor
Vodafone UK connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed line connections, home and office broadband and the Internet of Things (IoT). Today we serve more than 18 million mobile and fixed line customers in the UK, with 4G network coverage at 99%.
View WebsiteAstute Electronics
Commerce Decisions
Commerce Decisions
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor
Commerce Decisions delivers the AWARD® strategic evaluation and ADVANCE™ bid management solutions. Together they support the delivery of the best possible outcome on complex, high risk procurements.
AWARD® has been deployed by the UK MOD since 2001; providing project teams with the confidence that they are dealing with procurement challenges efficiently, meeting the demands of procurement regulations and delivering robust decisions that are open to external scrutiny.
The ADVANCE™ software solution brings focus and structure to the bidding process, proven to increase bid scores by up to 7%.
View WebsiteDell Technologies
Dell Technologies
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor Stand Number: 55
Dell is working together with Government organisations, Defence Systems Integrators and Defence Contractors in simplifying the acquisition of secure, agile solutions tailored for the demands of defending national interests.
The approach focusses on practical innovation, efficient and affordable solutions and a superior customer relationship model, to meet four key customer imperatives: Transform, Connect, Inform, Protect.
View WebsiteKBR
Softcat
Softcat
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor
Softcat is proud to be one of the UK’s leading IT infrastructure providers. We are one of the UK’s leading IT infrastructure providers and a FTSE 250 listed company. We’re passionate about outstanding employee satisfaction and world-class customer service – both of which inspire our flexible, friendly approach to business.
View WebsiteSTANLEY Security
STANLEY Security
Sponsor Type: Gold Sponsor
A global provider of integrated fire and security solutions for local, regional, multi-site and national organisations. STANLEY Security have worked in the public sector for many years, collaborating with commercial, industrial and government organisations to meet demanding security requirements that deliver value for money through new technology and systems integration
View WebsiteTeam Leidos
Veolia
Veolia
Sponsor Type: Keynote Arena Sponsor Stand Number: 103
We work in partnership with organisations of all sizes across the defence sector to find solutions that deliver significant value by increasing operational efficiencies and reducing costs. Our services help to reduce your carbon impact and water footprint by preserving scarce resources, raising environmental standards and preventing pollution.
View WebsiteBMT
BMT
Sponsor Type: Knowledge Transfer Zone Sponsor Stand Number: 10
BMT provides independent technical expertise and consultancy. We offer design solutions, asset management, programme delivery and technology services in the defence, security, transport, energy and infrastructure markets. We tackle the most complex engineering and programme challenges, blending capabilities from the spectrum of engineering disciplines to deliver enduring and value-adding solutions.
View WebsiteCostain
Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech
Sponsor Type: Knowledge Transfer Zone Sponsor
Tetra Tech (which now includes WYG) employs 20,000 expert project managers, designers, engineers and scientists working on some of the most important Defence projects across the world, solving challenging and complex problems. Leading with Science® we provide technology enabled, sustainable and resilient solutions for our clients.
View WebsiteCDS Defence & Security
CDS Defence & Security
Sponsor Type: Lanyard Sponsor
CDS Defence & Security is a technical consultancy working to enhance operational effectiveness and bring about behavioural change in the defence and security sector. Through support engineering, we ensure the safe and effective use of defence equipment. Through training, we help to shape the development of future leadership in the Armed Forces, and through Information Assurance, we protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, data and knowledge.
View WebsiteSBL
SBL
Sponsor Type: Delegate Bag Sponsor
SBL is a vendor independent, enterprise level specialist in the supply of security and software solutions, hardware and professional services including training and consultancy. We have particular expertise in cyber security and over 30 years’ experience helping customers to address their IT challenges.
View WebsiteSpeaker - James Heappey MP
James Heappey MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Defence Procurement)
James served in the Army reaching the rank of Major, in a career spanning ten years. He served on operations in Kabul in 2005, Northern Ireland in 2006, Basra in 2007 and Sangin in Helmand Province in 2009.
Having been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Wells on December 12th, Mr Heappey said he is ‘honoured’ to take up this prestigious role.
He said: “In a changing world, with so many threats to our national security, I am honoured to be joining the ministerial team at the Ministry of Defence.
“I know that so many in our local community support our Armed Forces and I look forward to now taking up this important role, ensuring our Armed Forces are properly equipped for the mission we ask them to do on our nation’s behalf.
“Constituents can be assured that my highest priority will always be the service of our local community and so whilst I am now a voice for Somerset in Government, I also remain focused on delivering the plan you elected me to implement last week.”
Speaker - Andrew Forzani
Andrew Forzani
UK Ministry of Defence Chief Commercial Officer
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.
He has also led transformation and improvement programmes across commercial functions including in local government where he established one of the largest procurement shared services in the UK and at the DWP, where he led a major transformation which saw them implement a new operating model and turnaround significant contracts across their IT and Estates spend. Andrew has also been a Crown Representative responsible for HM Government relationships with suppliers in the IT and Property sectors.
Andrew is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at the UK Ministry of Defence and is the senior responsible advisor across Defence for commercial and industrial issues. The role also covers the overall functional leadership of over 2,000 procurement and commercial professionals in Defence. The commercial function covers an annual spend in excess of £20bn across a diverse and complex set of programmes and categories covering major platform acquisition, infrastructure, estates and FM and IT & digital.
Andrew is also leading an Acquisition Review across Defence as part of the Departments transformation programme which is looking to fundamentally improve the way in which we acquire military capability in the future.
In addition, Andrew is one of the senior leaders of the Government Commercial Organisation and has been instrumental in helping to set the overall strategy and direction across the Civil Service. Andrew has led and championed a number of the people and capability initiatives across this new organisation to ensure they are fit for purpose and embedded effectively across government.
Speaker - Air Commodore Rich Withnall
Air Commodore Rich Withnall
UK Defence Medical Services Medical Director
Air Commodore Rich Withnall joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a Medical Cadet in 1990 and qualified from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London in 1992. He undertook General Practice Vocational Training at Princess Mary’s RAF Hospital, Halton and Peterborough Hospitals National Health Service Trust. His UK postings have included Senior Medical Officer appointments on fast jet, multi-engine and rotary flying stations, and the RAF’s recruit Phase 1 training unit. He has undertaken Command & Staff appointments at HQ Personnel and Training Command, HQ AIR Command, HQ Surgeon General and the Ministry of Defence. His overseas experience includes Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Denmark, the Falkland Islands, Ghana, Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Norway, Romania and the United Arab Emirates.
He was appointed as Advisor in General Practice (RAF) in 2005, then undertook the Advanced Command & Staff Course in 2007-8, winning both the Brooke-Popham Prize for the Best Defence Research Paper and the Sir Michael Howard Prize for the Best MA student. After a tour as SO1 Med Pol in the Ministry of Defence, Rich returned to HQ AIR Command as Deputy Director Health Services (RAF) in 2010. He was selected as the first RAF Defence Professor of General Practice & Primary Care in 2013. In 2017, he became the first primary care clinician to be appointed as the Defence Medical Services’ Medical Director.
Rich has remained clinically current throughout, revalidating with a licence to practise in 2013. He is on the National Performers List. An accredited GP Trainer and Appraiser Trainer since 2002, and an RCGP Examiner since 2005, Rich became a Fellow of the RCGP in 2006. He is a member of RCGP Council, the RCGP’s International Medical Director, and Deputy Clinical Lead for the MRCGP Clinical Skills Assessment. He is the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s GP Advisor, a GP Specialty Advisor to the UK Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, and Convener of the World Organisation of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Association of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA) Special Interest Group on Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine. Rich is a Chartered Manager and has undertaken the RAF’s Strategic Leadership and Development Programme.
He lives in the Cotswolds with his wife and two children. He remains a keen motorcyclist and fly-fisherman but, despite being very proud to have captained the RAF Medical Services rugby team, Rich has now hung-up his rugby boots in favour of season tickets at Gloucester Rugby (where watching is sometimes more painful than playing!)
Speaker - Ruth Todd
Ruth Todd
Submarine Delivery Agency Commercial Director
Ruth Todd has 30 years’ experience in supply chain management, logistics and consultancy in a variety of private sector businesses.
Most recently she worked for Babcock International where she managed the Land Equipment Support Supply Chain. Prior to that she helped Jaguar Land Rover develop its inbound logistics strategy and led the programme to deliver that change.
Ruth spent 14 years in consultancy and had the opportunity to support aerospace, defence, automotive and industrial sectors, both in front line manufacturing and support services, always in complex environments. Much of her career has been in transformational management; leading teams through change to deliver practical operational improvements.
Her early career was in the automotive sector working in production, supply chain, procurement and strategy roles. She has a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transportation.
Speaker - Gary Aitkenhead
Gary Aitkenhead
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Chief Executive
Gary has a broad background in Technology Research & Development and Commercial leadership with a track record of revenue growth and business transformation. After achieving a first class honours degree from the University of Strathclyde in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Gary spent much of his career in the development and supply of mission-critical wireless communications solutions to public safety, industrial and transportation sectors. Gary held senior positions (Vice President) at Motorola Solutions and latterly Sepura plc for more than 20 years, covering sales, services, operations and product management. Gary’s experience includes both global and regional (Europe, Middle East and Africa) roles and profit/loss responsibility of more than $1B. He was appointed Chief Executive of Dstl in January 2018 and leads this government organisation of over 4000 scientists and engineers providing specialist, and in many cases world-leading expertise, across a wide-range of disciplines.
Married, with three daughters, Gary lives in Hampshire. His interests include cooking, the outdoors and mountain biking.
Speaker - Colonel Tim Collins OBE
Colonel Tim Collins OBE
Leadership and Motivational Speaker
Colonel Tim Collins OBE delivered the infamous speech to British troops of the 1st Royal Irish Battle Group on the eve of battle in March 2003. With a copy of the speech now hanging in the Oval Office of the White House, the notoriety and strength of this speech is shown by its prominence around the world. Collins’ words made him an overnight hero with world leaders and infantrymen globally. A terrific motivational speaker, Tim can utilise his vast array of anecdotal tales to intrigue and engage with guests.
Tim has served in the Gulf War, Colombia, Zaire, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. A naturally inspiring and motivational speaker, Tim combines his broad knowledge of both political and military history with tales of his active service. A pre-eminent authority on teamwork, leadership and motivation, Collins can provide clear parallels as a motivational speaker between everyday leadership in business and personal life with military problem solving tasks.
A fantastic event and conference host, Tim’s interesting approach to the delivery of his thoughts provide a great perspective to everyday problems, striking a chord with every audience member as a leadership speaker. Tim’s leadership advice is summarised in a handful of rules; Pick the right team, know what your plan and objectives are, make sure everyone has a role and it is communicated to them and understand responsibilities as a leader while trusting your team.
Speaker - Jim Carter
Jim Carter
MOD Commercial Director, Supply Chain
Jim is Commercial Director, Supply Chain, at the Ministry of Defence responsible for the overall supplier and market interface. He leads a Supplier Management team and is responsible for delivering and embedding a new Strategic Supplier Management approach across Defence, helping transform our supplier relationships and improving our broader industry engagement Prior to this he was Transformation Director in the Cabinet Office Governmnet Commercial Function, helping improve the capacity and capability of Commercial Specialists across Government, winning Best People Development Initiative at the CIPS Awards 2018. He's had a 20-year Commercial career including Commercial Director at Network Rail, the UK's rail infrastructure provider, where his team procured and managed categories as diverse as ballast to business consultancy. For his transformation work at Network Rail Jim won the CIPS Procurement and Supply Chain Professional of the Year Awards in 2013.
Speaker - Jacqui Rock
Jacqui Rock
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Commercial Director
Jacqueline Rock is the Commercial Director for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation within the Ministry of Defence.
She joined in December 2017 following a 30-year career in Investment Banking, where she had a diverse career, with the last 15 years being in Chief Procurement Officer roles. Moving to the public sector, the Civil Service and the Ministry of Defence was therefore quite a big change for her from a culture perspective, however she believes that delivering best in class commercial and procurement capability remains the same regardless of public or private sector.
Jacqui is leading her team through significant transformation and management of a >400 defence infrastructure and construction contract portfolio with a value of £3bn.