Growing numbers of West Midlands manufacturers are looking to diversify into defence and security as the region works with the East Midlands to win more investment in a sector of increasing importance to the UK economy.
The Supply Chain Transition Programme, which helps SME manufacturers in the West Midlands Investment Zone win new orders in emerging sectors, has already enrolled 12 businesses looking to move into defence.
The figures were revealed at the Finditin Network’s Winning Defence Work – A West Midlands Business Briefing event at Orapi Maintenance UK’s headquarters in Wednesbury.
The event brought together manufacturing and engineering businesses to explore the different opportunities available for small and medium businesses in the defence sector.
It comes as major Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) suppliers have urged the government to help automotive manufacturers move into defence and aerospace, warning that large-scale car production in the UK faces long-term decline following the announcement that JLR plans to cut 4,000 jobs.
Charlie Hopkirk, from the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), told businesses that the West and East Midlands had “doubled down” on defence and security over the past year.
Defence is a sector we’ve always had in the region, but maybe we haven’t talked about it or prioritised it as a critical part of our economy. It is now a fundamental part of our regional growth story and that needs to come with real opportunities for businesses and people here.
Charlie Hopkirk, West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC)
The wider Midlands is estimated to support around 50,000 defence jobs, just over ten per cent of the UK’s defence sector, and around 1,000 companies working in or alongside defence.
Charlie said: “Defence is a sector we’ve always had in the region, but maybe we haven’t talked about it or prioritised it as a critical part of our economy. It is now a fundamental part of our regional growth story and that needs to come with real opportunities for businesses and people here.
“Defence can be a fragmented and difficult ecosystem. Through the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster (WM RDSC) – delivered by WMGC – which launched in May and is free to join, we want to make that simpler for companies that want to grow in defence or move into it.”
Paul Long, Director of the Finditin Network, added: “The West Midlands has a strong and diverse manufacturing base, and for many businesses the defence sector represents a significant opportunity for future growth and diversification.
Bringing together industry experts, major organisations and regional manufacturers in this way gives businesses practical insight, direct connections and a much clearer understanding of the steps they need to take.
Paul Long, Director, Finditin Network
“What came through strongly from this event is that breaking into defence is about much more than having the right technical capability – businesses need to understand the standards, compliance and resilience expected of suppliers, as well as how to position themselves effectively within the supply chain.
“Bringing together industry experts, major organisations and regional manufacturers in this way gives businesses practical insight, direct connections and a much clearer understanding of the steps they need to take. That is exactly what we want our Finditin Premium Events Series to deliver.”
Manufacturing and engineering SMEs in the West Midlands were encouraged to get in touch with the Supply Chain Transition Programme which is being delivered by Supply Smarter West Midlands.
The consortium is led by C&W Business Solutions, together with the Manufacturing Technology Centre, WMG at the University of Warwick, the University of Wolverhampton, Coventry University and Birmingham City University.
Businesses on the programme receive specialist one-to-one support, a tailored action plan and can apply to a £6m R&D grant pot, with grants of between £20,000 and £200,000 available until 2029.
Andy Davis, Project Lead for the Supply Chain Transition Programme, said: “Since we launched the programme, we’ve had so much interest in defence that we’re now onboarding businesses who want to diversify into the sector. Around 20 SMEs have come forward so far, and the 12 who are eligible are already going through the programme.
“If you’re a manufacturing SME in the region and think defence could be part of your future, please come and talk to us.”
Orapi Maintenance UK, which makes industrial maintenance and dust control products, is one of the businesses to have benefited after working with WMG on its defence readiness through the programme and has since produced a defence catalogue.
David East, Managing Director at Orapi Maintenance UK, said: “We already work with more than 50 defence customers, mainly through distributors, but as many SMEs know, it’s very hard to get in front of defence buyers directly.
“Working with WMG through the programme showed us we needed a proper structure to take this forward, so we’ve changed our organisation and now have a colleague focused purely on defence.
“It’s a high-entry, high-exit sector and it takes time, but if you can hold your nerve and get in, it’s very well worth it.”
Manufacturers interested in the Supply Chain Transition Programme can find out more at [email protected]
More information about the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster, delivered by West Midlands Growth Company, can be found here: https://westmidsrdsc.co.uk/
The West Midlands Investment Zone drives inclusive, long-term economic growth through new investment, business support and innovation. This flagship government initiative, focusing on the region’s long-standing and emerging sector strengths, will support the Mayor’s priority of ‘Growth for Everyone’ and position the West Midlands as a leading driver of the UK’s economic ambitions. Read more
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