A meet the buyer event organised by BAE Systems and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce attracted 50 Cumbrian SMEs.
Held at The Forum in Barrow on Monday, those who attended heard from representatives from Made UK Defence, ADS Group and BAE Systems on topics such as key requirements for working in the defence market, where to find opportunities, addressing the skills challenge, plans for the future and working with BAE Systems.
Following the formal presentations those in attendance then got the chance to speak directly with 20 buyers from across the BAE Systems business and their tier 1 suppliers in a format similar to speed dating – each business was given five minutes with their chosen buyers.
There was also the opportunity to visit stalls including Dreadnought Alliance, Helios/JOSCAR and Made UK Defence.
Lesley Robinson, head of business support with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, approached BAE Systems about the event earlier this year.
She said: “Thanks to funding through Brilliant Barrow Town Deal we’re delivering a project specific to the Barrow area on behalf of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and one strand of delivery focuses on supply chain.
“I was delighted when after an initial conversation BAE Systems agreed to run a meet the buyer event in partnership with the chamber and the event was a result of planning and hard work.”
Feedback so far received has been positive, she said, and businesses valued the opportunity to speak directly to buyers, allowing them to tell them more about their business and capabilities.
Tom O’Byrne, head of supply chain excellence at BAE Systems, said: “The event provided a catalyst and incubator for local small to medium sized enterprises to develop key connections with the defence industry, BAE Systems and other local businesses with the aim that these connections lead to, or further develop business opportunities in the UK defence ecosystem.”
“The presentations were very informative and it was a great opportunity to catch up with similar professionals from various SMEs from around the region. The market stalls arena worked very well and each BAE System buyer was very helpful and knowledgeable on their own specific supply chain.
It was probably one of the best events of its kind I have attended for quite some time, well done to everyone involved especially the presenters and stall owners/participants.”
