Clarion launches Defence Engage
Image courtesy Clarion
Developed in consultation with nine of the top Defence Prime Contractors, including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Thales and QinetiQ, the new networking site matchmakes and connects small, specialist and often non-traditional defence companies with the larger manufacturers, based on their requirements and SME capabilities.
Defence Engage has hundreds of members looking to connect, showcase their solutions and find new ways to enter the defence, aerospace, security and space sectors. Providing networking opportunities, through webinars and events, members can meet and learn about companies they may wish to work with.
General (Ret.) Sir Chris Deverell, KCB, MBE (Ret.), Founder of Deverell Innovation Ventures and former founder of jHub, commented: “Defence Engage is a really good idea. I often felt blind in terms of how to find an SME capable of meeting the requirement or opportunity that I could see. And I also felt that at times the Primes were no better than I was. So, I do believe that platforms that would allow you to share information about your capability or information about finding opportunities are really important and need to be encouraged.”
Defence Engage focuses on four key areas:
- Inclusivity: Welcoming both traditional and non-traditional SMEs, from across the UK and internationally, to become a member. Free profiles are available for eligible suppliers.
- Security: All members, company information and content is fully approved by the renowned Clarion Defence & Security Verification Team. Meaning everyone on-platform can be confident they are dealing with security-cleared companies and individuals in a member-only platform.
- Lead-Gen: Defence Engage recognises the challenge SMEs have in finding the right contacts in larger supplier and Prime companies. A spotlight on SME capabilities means more exposure and lead generation and the chance to look up the right contacts for their particular business.
- Network: An ever-increasing number of members, each varying in the solutions they provide. The platform allows each member to showcase their products and latest news, prompting the discovery and connection of new potential partners from across the supplier ecosystem, from start-ups to Primes.
Danielle Redwood, Defence Engage Director at Clarion, commented: “We are delighted to be formally launching Defence Engage with hundreds of members already signed up ready to connect with new and varied suppliers across the Defence, Security and Aerospace sectors. From engaging with the Primes, we know that the process to discover new, appropriate suppliers, quickly, is often difficult. Defence Engage tackles that. It’s the new, agile way to do business.”
Defence Engage is exhibiting in the UK Pavilion at IDEX 2023, taking place this week in Abu Dhabi (20th-24th February 2023).
