For SMEs looking to play a bigger role in UK defence, the next few months could be significant. The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP), alongside the way the National Armaments Directorate (NAD) is being structured, is expected to shape how smaller businesses understand opportunity, engage with Defence, and position themselves for participation.
'The DIP, NAD Machinery, and what this means for an SME' webinar will focus on the latest developments around the imminent DIP, the elements of the new NAD machinery most relevant to SMEs, and how these changes align with priorities previously set out in the Strategic Defence Review.
The webinar is particularly timely for companies that want more than headlines. For many SMEs, the challenge is not simply identifying that opportunity exists, but understanding where it is likely to emerge, how government structures are evolving, and what practical steps will make them more credible and more competitive in this changing environment. The session is designed to explore exactly that: where the opportunities are, what the new context means, and how SMEs can make the most of it.
This is an important conversation because defence participation is rarely just about technology or innovation in isolation. It is also about understanding the system around procurement, capability priorities, delivery structures, and the realities of engaging effectively with government and prime contractors. A clearer view of the DIP and NAD should help SMEs think more strategically about how they align their offer, shape partnerships, and present their value to Defence.
The webinar will take place on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 14:00 London time, and attendance is free.
The discussion will feature Major General (Ret’d) David Shouesmith, whose background spans operational military logistics, support acquisition, senior roles in the Ministry of Defence, and post-service advisory work across strategy, programme management and supply chain. It will also feature Peter L R Hewitt, Co-Founder of UDSS, whose experience brings together public policy, finance, governance and long-standing engagement with defence, investment and institutional leadership.
For UDSS, this is exactly the kind of discussion that matters. The defence landscape is changing quickly, and SMEs need practical insight, not just policy language. They need to understand how the machinery of Defence is evolving, where barriers may be lowering, where expectations may be rising, and how to position themselves to contribute meaningfully to national capability.
Businesses that want to stay close to these developments, and understand how policy direction may translate into real opportunities, should register for the session here.
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