Last month, Made in Britain members, including the B.E.C. Group, P4, Nycalast, Babcock, Addison Precision, Rheinmetall BAE Systems, Global QCC and TIA Group, attended Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.
This event, officially supported by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), highlighted the vital role of British manufacturers in defence procurement and security innovation. With the MoD spending £33 billion on procurement in 2022/23, it provided an unmissable opportunity for suppliers to connect with key decision-makers, engage with prime contractors, and expand their business reach in a rapidly evolving sector.
Increase in defense spending offers a boost to the sector
As we reflect on the significance of this event, it is clear that the government’s commitment to streamlining procurement processes and increasing defence spending, reinforced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, could be transformative for British industry. As well as the financial boost this will give to manufacturers in the defense industry and their supply chains, this announcement signals a clear intent to cut red tape, making procurement pathways more accessible and efficient.
This is welcome news for the thousands of British manufacturers operating in this space, particularly in light of the government’s ambition to allocate 2.5% of GDP to defence in response to global tensions.
Companies like Babcock International, which joined Made in Britain last year, will no doubt be overjoyed that they can more easily assert their place in domestic and global supply chains with a procurement system that prioritises speed and efficiency without compromising quality. The insights gained at DPRTE 2025 reinforce the need for a defence procurement strategy that supports homegrown innovation and strengthens British industry’s competitive edge.
Further to this, the Chancellor’s unwavering assurance that 10% of the Ministry of Defence’s equipment budget will be reserved for investing in and exploring new technologies, such as drones and AI-enabled technology, may give a hefty kickstart towards spurring advanced manufacturing production in places like Glasgow, Derby, and Newport.
Construction spending and homes for military families
The government’s assured commitment to invest £600m to train and upskill 60,000 new construction workers is also an ambitious and much-needed promise. This is especially true in light of its plan to roll out better homes for thousands of military families and a further 305,000 homes a year by 2030, a 40-year high.
All these ardent and future-facing commitments to reshore, reskill, and re-enable British manufacturers to do what they do best - forge British-made goods that reflect consistent quality and a commitment to longevity on the global stage and domestic market - should lay the foundations for a tangible turn in the way British manufacturers are able to operate. Not only this, but it should even affect how they’ll be perceived as they perform work that will, make no mistake, lay the foundations for boosting our national and economic security for years to come.
Of course, these changes won’t be felt overnight. The over 200 construction companies united under the internationally recognised Made in Britain trademark can breathe a long-held sigh of relief. Those that are yet to join can also benefit from our unparalleled support in expediting export processes and showcasing a mark of indelible quality to every touchpoint on their supply chains. We look to drive demand and opportunities for British manufacturers, all while slicing through regulatory red tape.
By Made in Britain 1 week ago | By Made in Britain