- Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) take part in
Government roundtable in Edinburgh, discussing how defence can
boost growth in Scotland.
- Chaired by UK Defence Minister , the roundtable follows the
MoD's commitment to spend £7.5 billion with SMEs by 2028.
- Scotland is at the heart of UK's defence industry, keeping
the UK safe at home and strong abroad, delivering on the
Government's Plan for Change.
The
contribution of Scottish SMEs to the UK's national security was
recognised during a roundtable held today (7 August) at
Edinburgh's Queen Elizabeth House, chaired by Defence Minister
following his visit to the
Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo
yesterday.
The Minister
met with representatives from eight companies, from Stirling to
Forfar, to discuss their innovative work that helps keeps the
country safe.
Ahead of the
upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, the government has
announced the intent to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5
billion over the next three years, reversing the fall that was
recorded before last year's election. This government's
commitment to SMEs recognises the vital role they play at all
levels within the defence supply-chain – both directly and
indirectly –with a total of £7.5 billion to be spent with SMEs by
2028.
Defence Minister
said:
“It was
fantastic to meet many innovative Scottish companies who play a
crucial role in strengthening our national security, boosting
growth and providing jobs in their local
communities.
“Businesses
in Scotland will be among those who can benefit from the £2.5
billion increase in SME spending that we will deliver, helping
drive defence as an engine for economic growth – as we deliver on
our Plan for Change.”
As well as
being home to thousands of military personnel and major bases,
defence is a key driver for renewal in Scotland, with latest
statistics showing that the MOD spends more than £2 billion a
year with the defence sector in Scotland, supporting nearly
12,000 industry jobs.
Scottish
Secretary, said:
"We are
proud of Scotland's defence sector and we will always stand up
for the industry and workforce. The UK Government's historic
uplift in defence spending will see a huge defence dividend for
Scotland which will help ensure Britain's security, deter our
adversaries and drive economic growth for years to come as part
of our Plan for Change.
"Through events such as today's roundtable we are working closely
with industry and supply chains to maximise Scotland's defence
dividend. Our new Brand Scotland campaign will seek to build on
that success and help the sector export its world class
technology around the world."
Programmes
including the multi-billion pound redevelopment
programme for His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde
will also create skilled jobs - including for small and medium
size firms - to boost the economy while addressing the critical
skills gaps facing the country.
As outlined
in the Strategic Defence Review, the private sector, including
small and medium businesses, are key to unlocking defence
innovation, giving the UK and its allies the fighting edge. The
upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will provide further detail
into future collaboration between Government and industry across
the UK.
ENDS
Notes to
editors:
List of SMEs
who took part in the roundtable:
