The Commercial Excellence  Zone at DPRTE  focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing the UK defence sector today: building and sustaining the skilled, inclusive, and resilient workforce needed to deliver defence capability at pace.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025, workforce development is a national priority. The Review recognises that the UK’s ability to achieve industrial resilience, regional growth, and strategic autonomy depends not only on investment in infrastructure and technology—but on the people who deliver it. This zone brings that mission into focus.

Key areas covered will include: 

• Skills Development – Explore how the MOD and industry are addressing workforce shortages through education partnerships, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning programmes.

• Inclusion & Social Value – Learn how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are becoming essential components of procurement and delivery, especially for suppliers looking to align with MOD social value expectations.

• Retention & Future Talent – Discover strategies for improving staff retention, building inclusive cultures, and creating sustainable talent pipelines for defence and security roles.

The Commercial Excellence Zone focuses on aligning defence outcomes with the development of talent and skills. It’s where strategy meets people—supporting the MOD’s goal to build a workforce that is not just fit for today, but ready for tomorrow.