Procurement conference comes as government pledges to raise SME defence spending to £7.5 billion
West Midlands businesses are being encouraged to seize a significant opportunity in UK defence procurement as the government commits to increasing defence spending with small and medium-sized enterprises by 50% before 2028.
The Defence Procurement Conference 2026, taking place on 11 and 12 June at Millennium Point in Birmingham, arrives on the heels of the newly launched West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster (WM RDSC).
The cluster’s partners include the West Midlands Combined Authority, the University of Warwick, Aston University, Babcock, Horiba MIRA and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
The free-to-attend conference is the West Midlands’ first dedicated forum for connecting SMEs, including manufacturers, with senior figures from the Ministry of Defence and its wider supply chain network.
More than 50 speakers are lined up across six panels, with over 2,000 delegates already registered.
Smaller suppliers currently account for around £4.5 billion of annual MoD spend, with ministers having pledged to raise that figure to £7.5 billion in the coming years as procurement reform reshapes how contracts are awarded.
Opening doors for SMEs
Dr Richard Fallon, organiser of the Defence Procurement Conference, said the timing presented a genuine opening for regional firms: “For West Midlands businesses, whether in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, autonomy or professional services, the window to enter the supply chain is open.
“If you are an SME wanting to break into the defence sector, the smart move is to come and see what’s happening on June 11 and 12 and see the vast array of opportunities on offer in the UK’s key growth sector.”
Al Carns MP, Minister for the Armed Forces and MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, backed the initiative, saying: “Strengthening our national security goes hand in hand with strengthening British industry.
“The Defence Procurement Conference 2026 is a vital step in opening up real opportunities for SMEs across the West Midlands and beyond to play a greater role in our defence supply chains.
“With increased investment and a clear commitment from the government to expand SME participation, 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.”
