Firms urged to seize opportunities from major growth in upcoming defence spending conference
Businesses across the West Midlands are being urged to seize the opportunities presented by a major upsurge in UK defence spending by attending a special conference at Millennium Point.
The Defence Procurement Conference 2026 on June 11 and 12 will outline the cash incentives for companies with defence spending set to rise from £60.3 billion in 2024-25 to £73.5 billion in 2028-29.
During the conference, Starting Point Recruitment (SPR) will lead a dedicated panel on 11 June, focused on Skills, Retention and Recruitment, bringing a critical workforce lens to the defence growth agenda.
As supply chains expand and competition for talent intensifies, the session will explore how businesses can address skills gaps, improve retention and implement inclusive recruitment strategies that support long-term capability.
Drawing on frontline experience, SPR will provide practical guidance to help organisations build resilient workforces aligned to defence sector demands.
The Government has committed to increasing spend with SMEs by 50 per cent by 2028. Supply chains are being reshaped now and the businesses that move early will be the ones that win.
The Defence Procurement Conference 2026 is the West Midlands' flagship event connecting businesses with defence procurement opportunities, prime contractors, MoD representatives and senior military leaders, all in one place, over two focused days.
A spokesman for the conference said: “This is not a trade fair. It is a working event where conversations start, relationships form and supply chain positions are secured.
“The conference is designed for manufacturers, technology and cyber companies, life sciences businesses, professional services providers, universities, prime contractors looking to grow their supply chains, and senior leaders who want to understand where defence priorities are heading.
“If defence is on your radar, this is the room you want to be in.”
Day One (11 June) will present Is Defence Right for You? This is a strategic overview of the UK defence landscape, with keynote addresses from senior military and industry leaders, Royal Navy, Army and RAF presentations, MoD procurement sessions, and case studies from businesses that have successfully entered the sector.
Day Two (12 June) comprises How Do I Get Involved? The day will discuss practical pathways into defence procurement, prime contractor briefings, Make UK Defence pathways and support, panel sessions on supply chain entry, access to the £400m annual defence innovation budget, and targeted networking with delegates already committed to defence.
An exclusive evening networking reception follows Day One, with an annual dinner at Hotel du Vin, Birmingham, featuring a ministerial speaker.
The DPC is also the launchpad for a dedicated Midlands defence sector community, including quarterly roundtables at Hotel du Vin, a bi-weekly e-newsletter, regular podcasts, and a conference magazine.
Attendance is free. Visit defenceprocurementconference.co.uk to register or contact the team at info@defenceprocurementconference.co.uk or on 0121 232 8626.
