Supply Chain & Market Engagement
Zone

An introduction to how a major prime buys from its supply chain and what a realistic first engagement looks like for smaller suppliers — set against the SME Action Plan's expectation, through the new Strategic Partners and Suppliers pledge and re-invigorated SME Champions network, that primes actively nurture and grow their SME base.

Prime contractors and SMEs discuss how subcontracting relationships really work in defence supply chains, and how to build trust and visibility further down the chain — with around 75% of MOD's ~£5bn annual SME spend flowing indirectly through the supply chain, and the SME Action Plan's new Strategic Partners and Suppliers pledge and expanded SME Champions network pressing primes toward better practice — as £11bn flows into munitions and weapons stockpiles, including six new energetics factories by 2030.

A fireside conversation with an MOD category or commercial lead on what consistently separates winning bids from the rest — and how the SME Action Plan's commitments to constructive feedback on unsuccessful SME bids, better-written requirements and less duplicated paperwork should make it easier for smaller firms to compete.

A DCI-led 'Understanding the Market' session drawing on live defence contract, framework and pipeline intelligence to show suppliers where spend is flowing across the £298bn Defence Investment Plan, which buyers are active now, and how to position for the right opportunities. Runs on both Day 1 and Day 2.

A panel assessing how much real progress has been made on defence supply chain resilience since recent global disruptions, and where the remaining vulnerabilities lie.

A sponsor-led session on how Rolls-Royce sources across the nuclear and propulsion supply chain, set against the wider £63bn+ nuclear and submarine investment programme, and how suppliers can position for upcoming opportunities.

A practical look at the £11bn munitions and weapons investment — including six new energetics factories due by 2030 — and how chemical, process engineering and materials suppliers can position themselves for the sourcing cycle ahead.