Nine Fife companies unlock new opportunities across the UK defence supply chain following targeted support at DPRTE.
More than 50 business enquiries were generated by Fife companies attending the Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) event in March, highlighting the growing capability and ambition of local businesses to engage with the UK defence supply chain.
DPRTE is the UK’s leading defence procurement and supply chain event, held annually at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre and attracting more than 2,000 attendees from across the defence buying community. The event provides suppliers with direct access to the Ministry of Defence, prime contractors, and key organisations operating throughout the defence sector.
Key-Tech Electronic Systems, Raeburn Training, Contract Solutions, QPE Ltd, Clas-SiC Wafer Fab, St Andrews Management Centre, Steadvale Air Systems Ltd, AllTec Construction, and Elite Painters – attended DPRTE as part of a supported Learning Journey delivered through Fife Trade Development Programme.
During the Learning Journey, the Fife businesses gained insight into the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to invest over £186 billion in defence equipment and support over the next decade. This, combined with structured networking opportunities, resulted in over 50 business enquiries for participating companies, highlighting the capability and growing potential of Fife businesses within the defence supply chain.
As part of the Learning Journey, participating Fife businesses took part in DPRTE’s “Meet the Buyer” sessions, which provided structured, face-to-face engagement with MOD representatives and major defence primes. These sessions enabled businesses to directly discuss their capabilities, explore routes into existing supply chains, and gain a clearer understanding of upcoming procurement requirements and supplier expectations.
Sean Bissett at Key‑Tech Electronic Systems praised the learning journey, saying, "The Learning Journey was extremely well planned and communicated before, during and after the event. The support made attending DPRTE both productive and worthwhile.”
Jeff Lockhart at St Andrews Management Centre echoed similar sentiments, "The workshops and buyer engagement sessions were highly relevant. The logistics were seamless and the guidance invaluable.”
Drew Smith at Contract Solutions (Scotland) Limited said, "he event was extremely well organised and provided real value for businesses looking to engage with defence procurement.”
Kieran Hunter, Economic Adviser at Fife Council, commented: “DPRTE provided a highly focused and valuable platform for Fife businesses to engage directly with the UK defence supply chain. Generating over 50 enquiries across the group highlights both the quality of local capability and the impact of a supported Learning Journey
approach. Events like DPRTE play a crucial role in helping our businesses understand defence procurement, make the right connections, and position themselves for long-term opportunities in this growing sector.”
The DPRTE Learning Journey forms part of Fife Council Economic Development’s wider Trade Development Programme, which supports local businesses to explore new markets, diversify into growth sectors, and connect with national and international buyers through tailored learning journeys, exhibitions, and market-entry support.
Fife-based businesses interested in accessing new markets or learning more about support available through the Trade Development Programme can visit:
For more information about Fife Council Economic Development's Trade Development Programme, please email: [email protected]
