The UK defence sector is entering a period of change, with increased investment and a stronger focus on bringing small and medium-sized enterprises into the supply chain. This is not just a policy ambition; it reflects a broader recognition that a resilient and effective defence capability depends on a diverse and engaged industrial base.
The Government’s commitment to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by 2028 signals a clear direction of travel. For businesses across the UK, particularly those with advanced manufacturing, engineering, or technology capabilities, this creates a genuine opportunity to play a more active role in supporting national security.
However, while the opportunity is clear, the route into defence procurement is often less so.
Understanding the challenge behind the opportunity
Defence procurement operates within structured and regulated processes, designed to ensure fairness and transparency. Yet for many businesses, particularly those new to the sector, these processes can feel complex and difficult to navigate.
There is often a gap between recognising an opportunity and understanding how to access it. Knowing where to start, who to engage with, and how to position a business within the supply chain can be just as important as capability itself.
This is where clarity and access become critical.
As Al Carns, Minister for the Armed Forces and MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, explains:
“Strengthening our national security goes hand in hand with strengthening British industry. The Defence Procurement Conference 2026 is a vital step in opening up real opportunities for SMEs across the West Midlands and beyond to play a greater role in our defence supply chains.
“With increased investment and a clear commitment from the Government to expand SME participation, this conference will help demystify the procurement process, connect businesses with key decision-makers, and ensure more companies are equipped to contribute to the UK’s resilience and sovereign capability.
“I strongly support this initiative and encourage businesses to take advantage of the practical guidance, insight and connections it offers.”
The role of the Defence Procurement Conference
The Defence Procurement Conference has been developed in direct response to these challenges. Taking place on 11-12 June 2026 at Millennium Point in Birmingham, it is the first regional forum focused exclusively on defence supply chain access and procurement strategy.
Rather than focusing purely on theory, the conference is designed to provide practical routes into the defence procurement ecosystem. It brings together SMEs, defence manufacturers, MOD government representatives, and prime contractors, creating an environment where businesses can better understand how the system works and how to engage with it.
This includes not only insight into procurement priorities and processes, but also the opportunity to connect with the people and organisations shaping those decisions.
Supporting regional growth and national resilience
The West Midlands is well-positioned to play a significant role in this shift. With a strong industrial heritage and a growing base in sectors such as cyber security, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, the region is well positioned to support evolving defence requirements.
By helping local and national businesses understand how to access defence opportunities, the conference supports both regional economic growth and the wider goal of strengthening UK defence capability.
At its core, the event is built around a simple idea. If more businesses are given the clarity, access, and confidence to engage with defence procurement, the supply chain becomes stronger, more diverse, and more resilient.
Moving from interest to action
For organisations considering defence as part of their growth strategy, the next step is not just to understand the opportunity but to engage with it.
The Defence Procurement Conference provides a practical starting point. It offers a way to move beyond high-level awareness and begin building the knowledge, connections, and visibility needed to operate effectively within the sector.
As investment increases and the supply chain continues to evolve, those who take early, informed steps are likely to be best positioned to benefit.