Businesses offered window into selling to the Ministry of Defence

Sunderland-based businesses can find out about opportunities to sell to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 18 June from 8.30am-12 noon at Sunderland Software Centre, Tavistock Place.

Over £1 billion is spent with UK SMEs annually and there are over 9,000 UK companies currently supplying to the defence sector.

‘How to sell to the MoD’ will set out how small and medium sized businesses can become part of a supply chain for the MoD’s £14 billion a year budget supporting the armed forces.

The huge breadth of procurement requirements for the MoD spans food, fuels, stationery, clothing and furniture as well as specialist supplies and leading edge technology.

Local enterprises will hear presentations from Philip Margerison, the MoD’s defence supplier service manager and Howard Gibbs, Head of the UKTI’s small business unit on making the most of procurement and export opportunities related to the MoD’s business.

David Townsley, executive director of the Northern Defence Industries (NDI) will open the morning with a short presentation on business development support.

Philip Margerison will discuss the procurement requirements of the defence sector during his presentation. UKTI will provide information on current defence exporting opportunities and the support available for UK companies.

The event is being organised by Sunderland City Council’s MAKE it Sunderland in partnership with NDI.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for local companies across all sectors to make the most of opportunities with the MoD. It gives Sunderland businesses to hear at first-hand about how they can get involved in the defence sector’s huge supply chain which could boost sales, exports and jobs in the city.”

The morning’s presentations will end with questions and answers to the speakers, and a chance to network with other businesses.

How to sell to the MoD is £30 plus VAT. Find out more and book a place by visiting this page.

The event is on Weds 18 June from 8.30am-12 noon at Sunderland Software Centre, Tavistock Place, Sunderland SR1 1PB.