The 12th Annual NDI Conference, hosted at Old Trafford cricket ground, starting on the day of Manchester vs. Real Madrid, brought together SMEs and manufacturing giants such as BAE Systems, Bombardier Aerospace, Airbus and Boeing.
The conference discussed several key issues, including the Government’s Defence Equipment Plan, which last month set out a list of new equipment worth £160bn needed to equip the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force over the next 10 years. Phillip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology gave a speech confirming the need for collaboration between SME’s and Primes, also leaders from several major manufacturers and supply chain firms explained their strategy, opinions about the market place and the benefits of SC21. There was a gala dinner followed by day two of face-to-face meet the buyers: 10 appointments in total, understanding the supply chain of the major players and how to engage with the relevant departments.
