Birmingham’s first-ever defence procurement event to connect small businesses with MoD contracts totalling £7.5bn
The Armed Forces Minister has urged British businesses to capitalise on a landmark defence procurement conference coming to Birmingham this June.
Al Carns described it as a crucial step in opening up the UK’s defence supply chains to smaller firms.
The MP for Birmingham Selly Oak threw his weight behind the Defence Procurement Conference 2026, a free two-day event taking place on June 11 and 12 at Millennium Point.
The West Midlands’ first conference dedicated to connecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with defence manufacturers, Ministry of Defence representatives and senior policymakers, it arrives at a moment of significant expansion in defence spending.
Carns said: “Strengthening our national security goes hand in hand with strengthening British industry.
“This conference will help demystify the procurement process, connect businesses with key decision-makers, and ensure more companies are equipped to contribute to the UK’s resilience and sovereign capability.”
A multibillion-pound opportunity
The minister’s endorsement comes as the Government prepares to increase defence spending with SMEs by 50 per cent by 2028. Smaller suppliers currently account for around £4.5bn of MoD spend annually, with ministers pledging to raise that figure to £7.5bn in the coming years.
Designed as a strategic procurement forum rather than a trade show, the conference will offer policy briefings, roundtable discussions, compliance guidance and structured access to prime contractors and procurement leads.
More than 1,000 delegates are expected across the two days, with upwards of 20 speakers across six panel sessions.
Dr Richard Fallon, conference organiser, warned that timing would be critical for firms looking to benefit: “Businesses that move now will be the ones that build lasting positions in strategic national supply chains.”
The event is aimed at manufacturers, engineering firms, technology and cyber businesses, and professional services companies. Registration is free at defenceprocurementconference.co.uk.
