Last week saw an incredibly busy, but exciting period for the UK Defence Solutions Centre (UKDSC). It was once again time for Farnborough to host the world’s most important air show which showcases our great industry.
The eventful week provided the opportunity for the UKDSC to further connect with both the UK Value Chain and international delegations. We were delighted to engage with organisations from all across the Value Chain from incredibly innovative small and medium-sized companies and academia to larger companies, all of whom are moving the industry forward. We were also thrilled to be able to host a number of country delegations to discuss further how ‘Team UK’ can meet the needs of our international customers, all of whom have invited the UKDSC to engage further in building international partnerships.
The week also provided the opportunity for the UKDSC to engage in a number of ministerial meetings, culminating with a visit by the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, who praised UKDSC for its innovative and energetic approach to supporting the Prosperity Agenda. Wednesday saw the UKDSC speak at the ‘Defence Growth Partnership Moment’ alongside other key personnel including Phillip Dunne, then Previously Minister of State at the Department for Defence Procurement and Lord Price, now Minister of State at the Department for International Trade to discuss the key updates and developments of the partnership. At the ‘DGP moment’ we were delighted to announce our first three associate members, Ultra Electronics Ltd, University of Southampton and Cranfield University; joining the sixteen founding members of the Defence Growth Partnership; and we expect more organisations to join this unique collaboration.
The UKDSC also published its first ten year strategy (available to download here); and its first strategic roadmaps. These form our blueprint for promoting innovation, collaboration and investment in the defence sector, which we strongly believe will pave the way for increased opportunity for new international business.
Finally, as the UK embarks on its future strategic planning for enhanced trade through a series of new international trade agreements, we are well placed to ensure that international defence collaboration will be a key ingredient to these agreements, and the UKDSC is looking forward to playing its full role to help forge these new deals
