MoD builds links with SMEs in North East

Harriett Baldwin has visited the North East to continue the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) links with regional small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who play a key role in equipping the UK’s Armed Forces.

With the MoD aiming to increase the share of its contracts with SMEs from 19 per cent to 25 per cent, the Minister for Defence Procurement held discussions with 12 companies in the Northern Defence Industries trade group (NDI) on how Defence and businesses of all sizes can work together.

The North East already makes a key contribution to the UK’s defence, with companies such as A&P Tyneside delivering the blocks used in the innovative modular construction of the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers, as well as manufacturing key parts for the Astute nuclear submarine programme in their shipyard at Hebburn.

Additionally, Pearson Engineering, who hosted Baldwin’s visit, is part of the extensive UK supply chain for the Ajax Armoured Fighting Vehicle programme, the biggest order of armour for the British Army in a generation.

Baldwin said: “The North East makes an important contribution to our national security and economy. From the Ajax armoured vehicle to our new carriers, the companies I’ve met are delivering the equipment and services our Armed Forces need to keep Britain safe.

“Here in Newcastle today, we looked at how the businesses based here can help make Britain one of the most innovative, most prosperous countries globally, for an economy that works for everyone.”

Andy Collier, NDI director, added: “This has been a great opportunity for MoD to engage further with the UK supply chain. This sort of engagement is crucial to ensure that MoD can establish the means through which we, as an industry, can work ever more closely with the Department in the best interests of the UK economy.”