London, 12 September 2025 – Make UK Defence today welcomed the Andy Start, the National Armaments Director to its stand at DSEI 2025, underscoring the Ministry of Defence’s recognition of the vital role that SMEs play in delivering capability, fuelling economic growth, and driving innovation across the UK defence sector.
The visit comes in the same week as the launch of the Government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), which Make UK Defence described as a “major win for UK industry.” The Strategy sets out clear commitments to boost SME access to MOD contracts, strengthen supply chains, and reform procurement processes to deliver capability more quickly and effectively.
With over 700 member companies, the vast majority of them SMEs, Make UK Defence is the leading champion of the UK defence supply chain. At DSEI 2025, 52 member companies are exhibiting under the Make UK Defence banner, showcasing cutting-edge innovation in areas such as autonomy, precision manufacturing, advanced materials, and digital technologies.
Recent survey data released by Make UK Defence demonstrates the momentum within the sector: 75% of members have grown their headcount in the past twelve months, with 88% of that growth coming from SMEs. Many companies have increased their workforce by more than 10%, and several have doubled in size. This rapid job creation underlines how defence spending is delivering the “defence dividend” across the nations and regions of the UK.
This visit highlighted the MOD’s interest in connecting more directly with SMEs and accelerating innovation through procurement reform. The DIS sets ambitious goals to simplify acquisition, introduce a segmented procurement model by 2026, and ensure SMEs are better integrated into supply chains through the new SME Commercial Pathway and the Defence Office for Small Business Growth. These measures are designed to provide smaller firms with the visibility, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Andrew Kinniburgh, Director General of Make UK Defence, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Andy to our stand today. His visit demonstrates the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to engaging directly with the SME community and recognising the innovation and agility they bring to the defence supply chain. The Defence Industrial Strategy makes clear that SMEs will be central to the UK’s future capability, not only delivering for our Armed Forces but also creating skilled jobs and driving growth across the economy. By reforming procurement and opening up new pathways to market, the MOD can unlock the full potential of SMEs and ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of defence innovation.”
The visit also reinforced the international dimension of SME growth. Make UK Defence’s recent survey showed that 60% of its SMEs are already exporting directly to NATO allies, with 25% supplying equipment to Ukraine. This outward-facing role demonstrates how smaller UK companies are not only supporting sovereign capability but also strengthening collective defence.
As the DIS makes clear, defence is increasingly an engine for growth, innovation, and resilience. Through commitments such as the £250 million Defence Growth Deals, the creation of Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, and reforms to acquisition and contracting, the MOD is laying the groundwork for a more competitive and dynamic industrial base. For SMEs, this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to scale, innovate, and secure their place in both domestic and international supply chains.
For Make UK Defence, the visit of the National Armaments Director was a chance to showcase the breadth of its membership and to demonstrate how SMEs are already delivering value for money, cutting-edge technology, and rapid adaptability. From precision engineering firms producing critical components, to digital innovators providing advanced training and cyber resilience, SMEs are strengthening the Armed Forces while building prosperity across the UK’s regions.
Kinniburgh added:
“This week at DSEI has shown that SMEs are not only keeping pace with global demand, they are setting the pace. The commitment shown by the Ministry of Defence, through both the Defence Industrial Strategy and today’s engagement, gives industry confidence that the Government is serious about making defence procurement more accessible, more agile, and more attuned to the needs of innovative businesses. We look forward to working closely with the MOD to ensure that these reforms deliver in practice and that SMEs continue to grow, invest, and create the jobs that underpin our nation’s prosperity and security.”
