Defence Procurement Conference

The Defence Procurement Conference 2026 is the West Midlands’ inaugural event dedicated to connecting UK SMEs with defence manufacturers, MOD representatives and senior policymakers.

Contact Info

Partners & Exhibitors

With grateful thanks to our contributors and speakers

ABGi

Armed Forces Covenant

Babcock

BAE Systems

British Army

Defence Office for Small Business Growth

ESCO Maritime Solutions

Future Labs

Intercity

Invictus Games

Irwin Mitchell

Janus Allies

JOSCAR

LRQA

Midlands Aerospace Alliance

National Armaments

Nexus Arc

NMS UK

One Thousand Trades Group

Rheinmetall

Royal Air Force

Royal Navy

RUSI

S&W Group

Thales

UK Defence

UK Defence Exports

UK DI

Our Partners

Meet Our Exhibitors

ABGi

With more than 35 years of international experience, ABGi helps organisations improve performance, accelerate innovation, and respond to changing commercial, regulatory, and sustainability priorities.

Our multidisciplinary teams combine practical delivery experience with expertise across innovation funding, operational improvement, digital transformation, ESG and sustainability strategy, and intellectual property.

We work with organisations to identify opportunities, secure appropriate funding, strengthen reporting and ESG readiness, improve operational efficiency, and support the commercialisation of innovation. By connecting strategy with delivery, we help clients strengthen resilience, remain competitive, and create sustainable long-term value.

Explore ABGi’s Innovation, Sustainability and Business Advisory Services: www.abgi-uk.com

Adalta Energy

In the world of energy, there’s much to contend with. But securing best-in-class contracts and meeting net zero goals doesn’t have to feel so complicated. If you’re short on in-house energy expertise or struggling to make sense of a complex, fast-changing energy marketplace, why not hand the burden to us?

Adalta Energy is your dedicated energy partner. We’re not about quick-fix contracts or ‘one-size’ solutions. With a wealth of diverse industry experience behind us, we’re here to bolster your confidence and add value at every step.

You can feel confident knowing our consultants have considerable industry experience, working for major energy suppliers and carbon consultancies.

We’ve structured and managed some of the UK’s largest and most complex energy contracts – and now we can put that knowledge and expertise to work for you.

Alucast

Alucast is an award-winning aluminium component manufacturer, the UK’s only single source supplier of fully machined castings from sand, gravity, low and high-pressure processes. This unique ability offers customers the optimum solution for components, through prototype to series supply, from a single source/site.

ISO9001:2008, IATF16949 certified and ISO 14001 a credited facilities include, Magmasoft Solidification to aid right first time solutions , Laboratory, X-Ray, Heat-Treatment, DPI & 5-Axis machining contained on one site.

Supplying precision engineered high quality machined aluminium cast components.

Arcanum

Arcanum is a NCSC Assured Cyber Security Consultancy specialising in Risk Management, Audit and Review, Security Architecture, Cyber Resilience Audit, and both CREST and CHECK Penetration Testing.

Arcanum has supported Defence Primes and their Critical Supply Chain for more than a decade, helping organisations understand and manage their Cyber Security Risks. Our people hold top level security clearance and have Certified Cyber Professional status.

As a certification body for the new Defence Cyber Certification we have worked closely with both the MOD and IASME to improve cyber resilience across the UK’s Defence supply chain.

Arcanum is uniquely placed to support supply chain organisations through from preparation to certification.

AiPT

Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AiPT) is a globally recognised centre of excellence in photonic technologies. AiPT conducts defence-, security-, and aerospace-related research and develops technologies spanning optical communications, high-power lasers, optical sensing, healthcare and biomedical photonics, machine learning in photonics, signal processing, optical systems and device engineering, and quantum technologies. AiPT also leads NeuroSYNC, the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Systems and Computing, bringing together expertise in photonics, energy-efficient artificial intelligence and machine learning, edge signal processing, neuromorphic computing, and cybersecurity. Through close industrial engagement, AiPT develops innovative technologies addressing challenges in communications, healthcare, defence, security, aerospace, and computing.

B13

B13 is a Birmingham-based digitalisation specialist. B13 builds custom software on subscription with no capital expenditure for SMEs looking to implement AI, automate or embrace digitalisation more broadly.

B13’s trademarked Venture Mapping process enables businesses to fully map their existing workflows. Venture Mapping, coupled with their patent pending AI enabled tool, ‘Cycl.’ enables B13 to design and build enterprise-grade digital systems around exact workflows, at a fraction of traditional software costs, on subscription.

Beeswift

Beeswift is a leading provider of personal protective equipment, workwear and safety solutions, supplying businesses across multiple industries with high-quality, compliant products. With decades of expertise, Beeswift combines innovation, comfort and protection to help keep workforces safe and productive. The company offers an extensive portfolio including safety footwear, protective clothing, gloves, respiratory protection and workplace safety equipment. Through exclusive partnerships, sustainable product development and a customer-focused approach, Beeswift continues to evolve with the changing needs of modern industry. Trusted by distributors and organisations throughout the UK and beyond, Beeswift is committed to delivering reliability, performance and exceptional service.

Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University connects organisations with our brilliant students, training, innovation and STEAM-led expertise to drive growth, skills and regional economic impact.

STEAM is BCU’s unique signature approach, blending interdisciplinary, challenge-led, industry co-created learning into its curriculum. Working with businesses of all sizes, we collaborate to solve real-world challenges and encourage growth. Its services also include Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, networking events, venue hire and innovation support through STEAMhouse.

With strong regional links and national impact, BCU Business Services helps organisations develop skills, improve productivity and create new opportunities while contributing significantly to economic growth across Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond.

Chromar

Chromar offers a true platform technology and next-generation trauma dressings, comprising haemostatic action designed to achieve superior cessation of bleeding under high-flow, combined with high-capacity swelling for superior wound closure and sealing. Chromar specialises in wet-adhesive wound sealants, with novel application formats addressing urgent unmet needs in defence; a powder-based spray for large surface area wounds and burns, and spun biofabrics to replace redundant fabric carriers in Z-fold fabric-style dressings; transitioning to next-generation ‘bandage-free’ formats, with significant functional, economic and environmental gains. Our technologies offer increased survival rates during CASEVAC from remote and challenging operational environments,including naval applications.

Crowe UK

Crowe UK, an award‑winning firm, renowned as the ‘Manufacturer’s Accountant’, are passionate about supporting the UK manufacturing sector. Using deep sector insight, we help businesses navigate Change Success, Growth, and Compliance.

We understand that Defence Primes require resilient, stable UK supply chains to strengthen national security, in todays uncertain world.

Our dedicated team provide the breadth of expertise needed to guide businesses through accreditation processes, operational improvement and readiness for supply, also delivery and continuous improvement; as well as the funding, accounting, tax and audit requirements too.

We work collaboratively with clients to achieve sustainable success in Defence and Advanced Manufacturing supply chains.

Contact: Stuart.Weekes@crowe.co.uk

National Head of Manufacturing Business.

Drone Site Surveys

Drone Site Surveys helps property owners, surveyors and facilities teams capture accurate building data without scaffolding. The company specialises in roof and facade inspections, 3D and Revit modelling, AutoCAD drawings, written condition reports, internal Matterport scans and 360 visuals. Combining drone technology, LiDAR and photogrammetry, the team delivers clear, accessible outputs that support maintenance planning, refurbishment, asset management and safer decision-making across single buildings and multi-site property portfolios.

EarSwitch

EarSwitch Ltd is developing critical medical monitoring and invisible control from your comms earbuds: EarSwitch Comms. This offers development of trauma detection and monitoring from time of injury continuously through to surgery and recovery. Its EarClick function provides invisible handsfree push-to talk control and more complex invisible control.

EarSwitch Ltd is a clinician led UK company applying its patented EarMetrics and EarClick technologies from medical to dual use military applications. EarSwitch seeks partnerships with established manufacturers in military communications, to embed augmented functionality in existing product lines. This will demonstrate the future of the augmented soldier to generate procurement demand.

ebb3

ebb3 delivers sovereign, secure platforms for defence organisations running sensitive and performance-critical workloads. Our capabilities combine UK sovereign infrastructure, GPU-accelerated compute expertise, and secure digital workspaces with flexible hybrid deployment and managed outcomes. We enable secure workspaces for dispersed teams, AI-ready sovereign infrastructure, secure engineering environments, and high-performance remote collaboration. Designed for resilience and rapid deployment, our platforms support sensitive workloads with consistent operational performance. We focus on practical outcomes, modernising digital workspaces, enabling secure AI, and delivering high-performance collaboration giving organisations faster, dependable solutions aligned to objectives across programmes and operations.

Everywhere English

Everywhere English provides industry-specific English language training for multilingual workforces across manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors. Our blended learning platform combines live tutor-led training with 24/7 access to our learning hub and measurable reporting tools to improve communication, safety, productivity, and employee retention. We help businesses reduce costly misunderstandings, strengthen onboarding, improve compliance, and integrate international teams more effectively across operations, HR, and leadership teams. Our programmes are tailored to real workplace communication, from SOPs and safety procedures to supplier coordination and team collaboration. Everywhere English turns communication into a practical operational advantage.

Frederick Cooper

Frederick Cooper (Birmingham) Limited is a leading UK specialist in high-performance powder coating and wet paint finishing, trusted by world-class manufacturers across automotive, engineering, medical and industrial sectors. With a heritage dating back to 1879, the business combines decades of expertise with advanced technology to deliver precision, durability and exceptional aesthetic quality. Offering end-to-end solutions—from component preparation to final finishing—Frederick Cooper supports both high-volume production and bespoke projects. Renowned for reliability, flexibility and ISO-accredited standards, the company partners with clients to enhance product performance and bring manufacturing excellence to life.

Hotel Du Vin

Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, Hotel du Vin Birmingham offers a sophisticated city escape with a vibrant social twist. Alongside its signature boutique bedrooms, the hotel boasts elegant private dining spaces perfect for hosting memorable celebrations, corporate events, or intimate dinner parties. Downstairs, the venue transitions into a lively social hub at the basement-level White Lion pub. Complete with a welcoming, traditional atmosphere, the pub screens major live sports events throughout the week, making it the ideal spot to unwind. Guests can also enjoy fantastic weekday happy hours on premium beers, combining luxury hospitality with everyday relaxed charm.

Intercity

At Intercity, we help businesses do more with technology. With over 40 years in technology, we’re the award-winning managed service provider delivering expertise in cloud, cybersecurity, managed IT, and communications.

Running a business is challenging; your tech shouldn’t be. We expand your IT capabilities and give you a safe pair of hands, whenever and wherever you need us. Whether it’s doing something better, faster, or completely new, we use tech to unlock real benefits for your business.

Security you can count on: As a member of MISA (Microsoft Intelligent Security Association), we sit among a handful 152 of the most trusted Microsoft security collaborators worldwide. Backed by leading accreditations, an elite Microsoft Solutions Partner status, and a world-class Gold EcoVadis rating, we’re a trusted tech partner to SMEs, enterprises, and public sector organisations across the UK. With a +93 NPS and recognition as a 2 Best Companies employer*, we combine technical excellence with a people-first culture.

ISCAR

ISCAR is the largest of the 15 companies comprising IMC (International Metalworking Companies Group) . Together, they supply a dynamic comprehensive line of precision carbide metalworking tools. These companies produce a wide range of carbide inserts, carbide endmills, and cutting tools, covering most metal cutting applications. IMC also provides engineering and manufacturing solutions to major industries throughout the world. Many innovative products, designed especially for customer requirements, have made IMC a world leader in major manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and die & mold production. ISCAR continually introduces new products, each aimed at higher Productivity, Profitability and Performance.

ITI Group

For organisations facing the compounding threats of ageing assets, a retiring workforce, and evolving cyber-attacks, the status quo is no longer an option. You need measurable results that secure your long-term operational stability. Globally, ITI Group delivers these results. As an independent technology specialist with over 50 years of deep domain expertise, our people enable your critical facilities with integrated intelligent systems that ensure safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations. 

We achieve this by securely unifying your operational and digital worlds, maximising  uptime while minimising risk and running costs. Partnering with you across the entire digital journey, we embed vital knowledge into smart platforms, equip the next generation with advanced tools, and harden your systems against threats.  The result: your organisation is optimised, profitable, secure, and ready for long-term resilience.

LLoyds

Lloyds has a long history of supporting the UK’s manufacturing sector, including the aerospace and defence industries.

We work with businesses across the entire aerospace and defence supply chain – from SMEs and mid-corporates to primes – helping them navigate a highly regulated, strategically important industry.

Our sector expertise and full-service product offering means that we bank around one in five SME manufacturers and support some of the biggest manufacturing firms in the country that underpin national capability, helping them thrive, innovate and grow.

See how Lloyds is supporting UK manufacturers at lloydsbank.com/manufacturing 

Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN.

LRQA

As a fully CREST-accredited cyber security provider, LRQA’s Cyberaccredited experts deliver proactive DCC and CMMC guidance, strengthening cyber resilience and compliance.

We’re helping other organisations navigate the DCC journey, from initial gap analysis to tailored remediation planning. Our team of experts understands the nuances of DEFSTAN 05-138 and can guide you through every step of the certification process.

Luvata

Luvata Welwyn Garden is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in precision cold forming and CNC machining of copper-based alloys and other metals. We support demanding defence and security applications, where scaling up, quality, reliability, and consistency are critical. Our cold forming process produces high-strength components whilst reducing material waste by nearly 80% . With in-house design, tool development, and flexible batch production, we are able to respond quickly and scale production to meet changing volume and capacity requirements across both low and high-volume programmes.

Measurement Solutions

Measurement Solutions Limited is a JOSCAR-approved provider of advanced industrial metrology systems and services for aerospace, defence manufacturing, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul). The company supports organisations operating within UK defence supply chains, including major primes and Tier 1 contractors, through precision 3D scanning, inspection, and reverse engineering solutions. In partnership with leading technology provider Creaform, Measurement Solutions enables high-accuracy measurement, faster inspection cycles, and improved compliance across complex engineering and maintenance environments. These capabilities support organisations working across MOD-related programmes and regulated aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors.

Learn more at: https://www.measurement-solutions.co.uk

Paralloy Group

Paralloy Group delivers high-integrity, precision-engineered defence components through advanced casting, machining and fully integrated, end-to-end manufacturing solutions.

RamBase

RamBase delivers modern, integrated Cloud ERP and QMS solutions for precision manufacturers supplying defence primes and OEMs, enabling compliance, full traceability, and scalable growth.

Randle Engineering

Randle Engineering is a design and development engineering consultancy, with more than 30 years’ experience in application of fundamental engineering first principles to solve complex problems.

We support an expanding global client base with sector agnostic, technically rigorous engineering solutions to deliver engineering programmes on-time, within budget and with maximum efficiency.

Historically the company was focused on suspension engineering but today Randle is a multi-disciplinary consultancy adding value to customer projects in a diverse mix of sectors and technical areas.

For the defence market, Randle work with a mix of Primes and supply chain partners to deliver innovative engineering solutions.

Restore Technology

Secure and Scalable IT Asset and Secure Media Destruction Services designed for the Defence sector. NPSA and NCSC CAS-S approved.

Riding for the Disabled (RDA)

RDA is a national charity that changes lives through the unique connection between people and horses. Every year, RDA supports over 39,000 disabled children and adults to experience greater confidence, independence, wellbeing and joy through therapeutic riding, carriage driving and equine-assisted activities. Across a network of nearly 450 groups and centres, participants build physical strength, improve mental wellbeing, develop friendships and discover new opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment. For many people, RDA provides freedom, achievement and connection that cannot be found elsewhere. Powered by thousands of volunteers and specially trained coaches, RDA is transforming lives across the UK every single day.

Sky Business

Sky Business is the B2B division of Sky, one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies and part of Comcast Corporation. We provide reliable connectivity solutions and unmissable live sport and entertainment to businesses of all sizes and sectors. As a trusted partner, Sky Business helps organisations stay connected, secure and ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Sips Eco

Sips Eco is a leading UK manufacturer and installer of Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) systems, delivering high-performance buildings across the UK and Europe. Our offsite-manufactured SIP structures provide rapid, efficient and resilient solutions for defence accommodation, welfare facilities, training buildings, offices and operational infrastructure.

Our BBA-approved SIP system enables construction up to three times faster than traditional methods while delivering exceptional structural strength, thermal performance and long-term energy savings. Designed for demanding environments, SIP buildings offer durability, sustainability and reduced whole-life costs.

Visit us on the stand to discuss how Sips Eco can support your next defence infrastructure project.

Smart Solutions

Smart Solutions helps businesses find, manage and retain skilled people through tailored recruitment and workforce solutions.

Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity

Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is the principal charity of the Royal Navy. We are at the heart of supporting our Royal Navy. Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel and their families, past, present and future.

Since 2007, RNRMC has funded projects and facilities that boost morale for the entire Naval Community. RNRMC supports organisations and charities which care for serving personnel, children, families and veterans of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Beneficiaries lie at the heart of RNRMC’s purpose, it is our duty to remain focused on their needs.

Starting Point Recruitment

Starting Point Recruitment delivers specialist hiring support across engineering, technical, commercial, procurement, operations and field service functions. We help employers secure quality candidates quickly and effectively.

SW Group

S&W works with businesses and individuals to navigate challenges, unlock potential and achieve the extraordinary. Since 1881, we’ve been a trusted partner, supporting clients with complex needs and shaping solutions that make a difference. In a changing world, we are a consistent presence, building lasting relationships and serving clients across the UK, around the world and over generations. With local offices, national coverage, and world-class expertise, S&W supports companies and private clients across every stage of business and every season of life. As one of the UK and Ireland’s fastest growing accountancy and advisory firms, we help our clients navigate challenges, seize opportunities and realise their ambitions.

The Structural Battery Company

The Structural Battery Company is a UK defence and aerospace technology company developing structural energy systems that integrate batteries into load-bearing structures. Its patented structural battery technology replaces passive structure with energy storage, helping platforms save mass, volume and integration complexity. The company’s first deployable proof point is Drone Spine™, a structural battery subsystem for next-generation UAVs and hybrid-electric platforms. The technology has been flight-demonstrated at TRL 6 and supports safer, lighter and stronger electric systems for defence, aerospace and space applications. The company is positioning itself as the UK design authority for structural energy systems.

Supply Smarter West Midlands

Supply Smarter West Midlands is a £15 million regional program helping manufacturing SMEs diversify into high-growth sectors like clean tech and electric vehicles. Delivered by a consortium including WMG, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, and regional universities, the initiative strengthens local supply chains while accelerating digital transformation.

Eligible businesses receive funded support, including intensive expert coaching, technology adoption grants, and accredited leadership training. By connecting local suppliers with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the program enhances productivity, drives industrial decarbonization, and secures the region’s economic future within the wider West Midlands Investment Zone.

UK Export Finance

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK government’s export credit agency (ECA). We help businesses of all sizes in multiple sectors across the UK to:

  • access the working capital required to help them grow and fulfil export orders
  • provide funding for overseas buyers to purchase goods and services from UK suppliers
  • manage the risk of not getting paid through our insurance products

Get in touch to see how UKEF could help your business reach new markets. We have a network of regional Export Finance Managers on hand to provide free and impartial consultations to businesses on their export finance needs.

Vended

Vended provides smart industrial vending, locker and inventory control solutions designed to improve stock availability, traceability and accountability across demanding operational environments. Built around real-world distribution experience, our systems help organisations control consumables, PPE, tools, spares and critical inventory while reducing waste, downtime and unnecessary procurement workload.

Alongside machine supply, installation and support, Vended can also source and supply the products stocked within each system, creating a complete managed inventory solution. From high-capacity machines and secure lockers to our modular systems, Vended combines robust hardware with cloud-based software, reporting and integration capability for modern supply chains.

Vital Auto

Vital partners with OEMs and startups at every stage of design, prototype, engineering and technology development. Founded in Coventry in 2015, we bring a traditional garage heritage together with cutting-edge manufacturing and digital innovation. Our team supports projects from design programmes through to prototype vehicles and engineering deployment, working discreetly to help clients develop new vehicles. We have delivered full vehicle models using compostable 3D-printed materials, improved manufacturing efficiency, and created in-house ergonomic software to speed up reviews. With expanding capability and advanced equipment, we transform ideas into exceptional vehicles under one roof.

West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster

The West Midlands’ dedicated defence and security cluster, connecting industry, government and academia to drive collaboration, innovation and sector growth.

Zwick Roell

ZwickRoell is a global leader in materials testing solutions, serving multiple industries such as aerospace, automotive, defence, construction, and academia. It designs and manufactures advanced testing machines for tensile, compression, fatigue, and impact analysis, complemented by powerful software platforms. The company emphasises precision, innovation, and reliability, helping customers ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with international standards. With decades of engineering expertise and a strong commitment to customer support, ZwickRoell provides calibration, training, and maintenance services, enabling organisations to optimise testing processes, accelerate research and development, and achieve consistent, accurate, and reproducible results. Operations span countries and sectors worldwide.

West Midlands Growth Company

The West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster (WM RDSC) is the region’s dedicated free network for organisations operating in, or entering, the defence and security sector. Bringing together industry, academia, government and the Armed Forces, the cluster supports collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth.

The MOD-backed WM RDSC provides a gateway into the UK defence ecosystem – helping organisations of all sizes access opportunities, strengthen supply chains and engage with national priorities. By connecting regional capability with defence demand, the cluster plays a key role in enhancing UK resilience while supporting economic growth and technological advancement across the West Midlands.

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