Meet The Buyer – Selling to Defence

As part of our “Meet The Buyer” series, we are bringing in representatives from two UK government departments: the Defence Suppliers Service (DSS) and the Department of International Trade (DIT) to help our members become suppliers to the Ministry of Defence and other defence departments abroad; a step which has taken many of our SMEs here in Lancashire to a whole new level of success.

The Defence Suppliers’ Service (DSS), part of the Strategic Supplier Management Team (SSMT), is the MOD focal point for the provision of advice and guidance to companies interested in becoming suppliers to defence.

The Department for International Trade is responsible for striking and extending trade agreements between the UK and non-EU states. The Defence & Security export market provides a strong and stable platform for UK SMEs looking to increase or diversify their export business.

As part of their ‘outreach’ service, DSS and DIT staff attend around 50 exhibitions, seminars and ‘Meet the Buyer’ events each year at various locations across the UK. At these events they provide advice and guidance to companies (often SMEs) wishing to become a defence supplier and give ‘Selling to the MOD’ presentations, where appropriate.

For this “Meet The Buyer” event, we welcome Philip Margerison, Manager for the Defence Suppliers Service and Howard Gibbs, Head of the Small Business Unit in the Department of International Trade’s Defence & Security Organisation.

It is important to note that Phil and Howard are not “buyers” themselves, however they provide critical information for businesses seeking become suppliers to Defence.

At this seminar they will:

• Explain how to become a defence supplier;
• How to access MOD tender and contract opportunities on-line and free of charge;
• Explain some the procedures and processes that MOD uses to buy a wide variety of goods and services;
• Will introduce you to the wide range of advice, information and support available from HM Government
• Offer hints and tips on maximising your export potential in these important defence markets.

This will be a two-part presentation with a Q&A and potential one-to-one meetings after. Refreshments will be provided and this event is open to all: members and non-members, however, non-member admission is £50 and member admission is free

Members: FULLY BOOKED – no longer accepting registrations
Affiliate Members: FULLY BOOKED – no longer accepting registrations
Non-Members: FULLY BOOKED – no longer accepting registrations