DE&S SME Open Day – 20th March 2024 – Expression of Interest

Wednesday 20 March

09.30 to 12.30

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) is open for business.

Join us for the DE&S Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Open Day.

Meet DE&S procurement teams and representatives from trade associations, and learn about upcoming Defence projects and tender opportunities right across the UK.

The highlight of the day will be a speed-dating style ‘Meet the Buyer’ session, where you will have the chance to meet multiple DE&S teams through timed conversations, focused on what your company can offer and how you can join the UK defence enterprise. After each ‘date’, contacts will be exchanged so more in-depth follow-up conversations can start.

We need your innovation

Throughout the day, our people will show you how to make the most of Defence opportunities and how you too can engage with Defence supply chains. We will explain how you can work with DE&S and the whole defence industry, and tell you about our latest tender opportunities.

You might not work in the Defence sector yet, but your business could provide the innovative technology, new product or essential service that you didn’t even know we needed. You can’t afford to miss out on this chance to connect and find out.

The Open Day is aimed at all SMEs from across the UK.

Get ‘tender ready’

The Open Day is a golden opportunity for SMEs to get ‘tender ready’. You will have a number of opportunities to discuss tenders relating to a wide range Defence equipment and support contracts.

You will learn top tips from expert trainers on where to find Defence tender opportunities and how to bid through the Defence Sourcing Portal.

Exciting speakers

As well as the ‘speed-dating’ session, we will also have a line-up of great speakers, including DE&S Chief Executive Officer Andy Start, Deputy CEO and Director General Strategic Enablers Adrian Baguley and Director Operations Major General Anna-Lee Riley.

How do I sign up?

If you don’t sign up for this free event in advance, you will be missing out on a fantastic opportunity to introduce your business to procurement teams, framework providers and Defence sector trade associations.

The SME Open Day will take place at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol on 20 March 2024.

If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry, we will also be broadcasting our guest speaker sessions for anyone who is registered to watch.

Register now to book your free place

All SMEs are eligible to attend for free and should register to book a place. 

Registration will close at the end of February, you will then be notified by MoD on whether you have been selected to attend Virtually or In-person.