Helping Ambitious Fife Businesses Access UK and International Defence Opportunities

Programme Overview

UK defence spending continues to increase, with significant opportunities emerging across the UK, NATO and wider international defence supply chains. Many of these opportunities are accessible not only to traditional defence suppliers, but also to businesses operating in manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, technology, cyber security, construction, logistics, professional services and other supporting sectors.

To help Fife businesses capitalise on these opportunities, Fife Council's Trade Development Programme, in partnership with Make UK Defence, is delighted to launch the Defence Ready International Programme 2026/27.

This specialist programme is designed to help ambitious Fife businesses understand the defence market, strengthen capability, engage with buyers and develop the knowledge and confidence required to access UK and international defence opportunities.

The programme combines practical workshops, one-to-one coaching, mentoring and a supported learning journey to DSEI Germany 2027, providing participants with direct exposure to international defence markets and supply chain opportunities.

What We Offer:

Access to Fife Defence Supplier Event 2026

Wednesday 9th September 2026

This premier event is your opportunity to explore the latest opportunities, network with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into upcoming projects and market needs. Fife Defence Supplier Event 2026.

New to Defence Workshop

Tuesday 29 September 2026 (TBC)

Designed for businesses that are new to defence and have not previously participated in a Defence Ready programme, this half-day introductory workshop provides participants with an understanding of:

• How the UK defence market operates
• The structure of defence supply chains
• Key organisations and stakeholders
• Routes to market
• What's required to operate within the defence sector
• Opportunities for SMEs and non-traditional defence suppliers

This session will take place on the afternoon prior to the main programme workshop.

Defence Ready International Main Workshop

Wednesday 30 September 2026 (TBC)

A full-day workshop for all participants covering:

• Recent developments and changes within the UK Ministry of Defence
• UK defence procurement and supply chain structures
• International defence opportunities
• Export markets and routes to market
• Export risks and how to manage them
• Support available through UK Defence Exports
• Engaging with defence buyers and prime contractors

Subject to availability, representatives from the UK MoD Export Team will participate to provide additional insight into export opportunities and international defence markets.

One-to-One Coaching and Mentoring

Each participating business will receive tailored coaching and mentoring support from defence specialists to help address business-specific challenges, strengthen capability and improve market readiness.

Defence Procurement & Buyer Engagement Workshop

January/February 2027 (TBC)

This interactive workshop focuses on how defence procurement works and how businesses can successfully engage with buyers.

Participants will:

• Understand the defence procurement process from MOD requirement setting through to contract delivery
• Learn how opportunities flow through prime contractors and wider supply chains
• Understand buyer expectations and supplier requirements
• Refine their value proposition for defence markets
• Practice pitching their products and services in a workshop environment alongside fellow participants
• Receive feedback and guidance from defence specialists

The session is designed to increase confidence and help businesses prepare for engagement with procurement teams, buyers and defence primes.

DSEI Germany 2027 Supported Learning Journey

The programme culminates with participation in a supported learning journey to DSEI Germany 2027, providing businesses with valuable exposure to international defence manufacturers, buyers, procurement teams and supply chain opportunities. DSEI Germany 2027 – Supported Learning Journey.

Why Join the Programme?

• Develop Defence Sector Knowledge
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of how defence markets, procurement and supply chains operate.
• Access Specialist Support: Benefit from expert-led workshops, coaching and mentoring delivered by Make UK Defence specialists.
• Improve Defence Readiness: Identify strengths and weaknesses and develop a practical roadmap for growth within the defence sector.
• Build Valuable Relationships: Connect with industry experts, defence primes, procurement teams and fellow businesses.
• Explore International Opportunities: Develop the knowledge and confidence required to access UK, European and wider international defence markets.
• Participate in DSEI Germany: Gain first-hand exposure to one of Europe's leading defence and security exhibitions.
• Become Contract Ready: The overall aim is to help businesses become better positioned to bid for, and win, defence contracts in both domestic and international markets.

The programme is open exclusively to Fife-based businesses.

Cost to Participate

A business contribution of £500 + VAT is required.

This contribution includes:

✅Access to the full Defence Ready International Programme

✅ Workshops and training sessions

✅ One-to-one coaching and mentoring

✅ Defence readiness support

✅ Defence procurement and buyer engagement workshop

✅ Participation in the supported learning journey to DSEI Germany 2027

The programme represents significant value, with the balance of programme delivery and learning journey costs being supported through Fife Council's Economic Development Team.

Register Your Interest

Places are limited and demand is expected to be high.

Applications will be accepted from ambitious Fife businesses seeking to develop capability, access new markets and explore opportunities within the growing defence sector.

Contact Us:

Register now to secure your place or to discuss whether the programme is right for your business, please contact: [email protected].