Defence

ADS to help SMEs play pivotal role in UK defence sector

Posted 15 June 2023

Following the launch of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) in July 2022, ADS Group has been successful in bidding and securing the contract to run the industry panel element of the programme, working with Ministry of Defence, Innovate UK and the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

Image courtesy ADS

DTEP builds on the success of the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) and the inaugural Space Technology Exploitation Programme (STEP), managed by ADS in partnership with the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “Innovation is vital to maintaining battlefield advantage and DTEP is a positive and important programme in boosting the creative scope of SMEs to provide novel solutions to defence problems.

“By bringing together government funding and resources from large-scale suppliers, the programme provides the best opportunity for SMEs to bring innovative and creative inventions to the frontline.”

Caroline Donaghy, Defence Director at ADS Group said: “Programmes such as DTEP are a crucial step in enabling SMEs to fulfil their potential and be part of larger projects, adding value and strengthening supply chains through innovation.”

Welcoming the contract, Kevin Craven, Chief Executive of ADS Group commented: “The UK’s defence sector, and its strong industrial base is essential to protect our national security. DTEP will help support the agile SMEs of the sector while harnessing unique UK capability and ensuring the UK retains its strategic advantage as the second largest defence exporter in the world.”

The latest figures published by ADS Group showcase the £9.8 billion value added to the UK economy by the defence sector in 2022. It further reveals that businesses delivering world-class products, services and capabilities generated £22.8 billion in turnover, with UK exports from the sector worth £7.4 billion on a three year average. ADS Group is the UK trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with more than 1,200 member businesses.

Information on the full DTEP can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-defence-technology-exploitation-programme

Information on how ADS members can get involved can be read here: https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/membership/supply-chain-solutions/dtep-defence-technology-exploitation-programme/