Over 170 delegates from across Scotland, the UK and beyond gathered in Fife for the largest Fife Defence Supplier Event to date, reinforcing Fife’s reputation as a hub for defence manufacturing, innovation and supply chain excellence.
Delivered in partnership by Fife Council’s Economic Development team, Make UK Defence, and Prime Contractors as part of Fife’s Trade Development Programme, the event welcomed representatives from some of the world's leading defence and security organisations, alongside SMEs, manufacturers, technology companies and industry support organisations seeking to explore opportunities within the rapidly expanding defence sector.
This year's event saw attendance almost double compared with last year, with close to 200 delegates taking part in a day of presentations, networking, exhibitor showcases and targeted one-to-one meetings.
The event featured strategic insights and procurement opportunities from nine major defence organisations and prime contractors, including the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Leonardo, Babcock International Group, Raytheon UK, BAE Systems, TBG International, Saab UK, AWE Nuclear Security Technologies and others.
Industry support organisations also played a key role in the programme, with contributions from UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) and Hellios.
Lunch was kindly sponsored by Alaris Linwave, providing delegates with an additional opportunity to network and build valuable industry connections.
Throughout the day, delegates gained direct access to procurement professionals, supplier relationship managers and defence sector specialists, helping businesses better understand future requirements, supply chain entry routes and upcoming opportunities across the defence landscape.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the Defence Ready International Programme.
The new initiative is designed to help ambitious Fife businesses develop the capabilities, knowledge and connections required to access UK and international defence supply chains, building on the success of Fife's Defence Ready Programme and responding to growing demand from businesses seeking to enter the sector.
Pamela Stevenson, Service Manager for Economic Development at Fife Council, said:
"The growth of this event demonstrates the increasing appetite among businesses to explore opportunities within the defence sector and the strength of Fife's business community. To welcome nearly 200 delegates and nine major defence organisations to Fife is a fantastic achievement and reflects the reputation this event has developed nationally."
"The launch of the Defence Ready International Programme represents the next step in our commitment to helping businesses access new markets, diversify and secure sustainable growth. We are delighted to continue this journey alongside our partners at Make UK Defence."
James Watson, UK Membership Growth Director at Make UK Defence, said:
"The response to this year's event has been exceptional and highlights the growing interest from businesses looking to engage with defence. Through Defence Ready International, we look forward to supporting more companies to understand the sector, enhance their competitiveness and access opportunities within both UK and international supply chains."
The afternoon programme featured a dedicated programme of one-to-one meetings, allowing delegates to engage directly with buyers, industry experts and support organisations. In addition, exhibitors showcased products, services and capabilities relevant to the defence, aerospace and security sectors.
The continued growth of the Fife Defence Supplier Event reflects increasing national recognition of Fife's manufacturing capability and its strategic role in supporting the UK's defence industrial base.
Businesses interested in learning more about the Defence Ready International Programme or wider support available through Fife Council's Trade Development Programme can visit: https://www.investfife.co.uk/who-we-are/trade-development/
For further information, please contact: Kieran Hunter [email protected]
