Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel will once again host the UK National Defence Procurement & Supply Chain Summit on Thursday 22nd October 2026, bringing together government, industry and suppliers to explore how the UK’s record defence investment is translating into contracted opportunity.
The event lands at a pivotal moment for the sector, with a confirmed £15 billion funding boost forming part of a wider near-£300 billion investment programme over four years, and ongoing procurement reform reshaping how contracts are awarded across the supply chain.
Confirmed speakers include Luke Pollard MP, Minister of State for Defence Readiness & Industry; Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, former Chief of the Defence Staff; Victoria Cope, Commercial Director at Defence Digital; and Tim Ketton-Locke, Director of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth at the MOD, among others. Sessions will focus on how growing demand for SMEs and new entrants – particularly in AI, cyber, advanced manufacturing and energy – is creating fresh routes into the defence supply chain, alongside the commercial implications of procurement reform.
Running from 08:30 to 17:00, the summit will give attendees the chance to identify where funding is being deployed, understand how policy changes are opening opportunities for smaller suppliers, and build connections with buyers, partners and industry leaders across the sector.
Full details, the event programme and registration are available at https://www.dprte.co.uk/defence-summit/
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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