Small British defence companies are set to gain easier access to Ministry of Defence contracts after the government launched a dedicated unit to simplify procurement and boost spending with smaller suppliers.
The Ministry of Defence has unveiled the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, a new service designed to cut through what ministers describe as labyrinthine procurement processes that have historically shut small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) out of the defence market.
Announcing the initiative, Luke Pollard, minister for defence readiness and industry, said the government wanted to redirect more defence spending towards British firms and trusted allies.
“In more difficult times, being able to bring more of our supply chain to Britain, or to friendly NATO partners, is absolutely vital to building our war-fighting readiness and deterrence,” Pollard said. “Any military is only as strong as the industry behind it.”
From February, thousands of small defence businesses will be able to access tailored guidance from commercial experts through the new office, alongside a “confidential channel” allowing firms to raise concerns about their treatment by government buyers or large prime contractors.
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