“The increased use of SME organisations offers our organisation a critical advantage. By encouraging participation in the logistics, commodities and services (LCST) programme, we are showing our commitment to UK government policy and we are able to leverage new and innovative products for the benefit of our Armed Forces”
Jaynie Davies, director Leidos Supply Ltd
Made in Britain CEO John Pearce and non-executive director, Camilla Hadcock from Made in Britain members, Roach Bridge Tissues attended the ‘Supporting the Government’s Supply Chain’ event in the House of Commons, Westminster on Tuesday, 25th October, to help recognise the important role Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in keeping UK Defence moving.
Organised by Leidos, the leading IT and logistics company, and long-term collaborator with Made in Britain, the event brought together contributions from some of the UK’s longest-established manufacturers; Firmin House established in 1655, with innovators such as BCB International, pioneers in the supply of portable fuel systems and merely 160 years ‘young’. Also presenting were Schneider Boots/WH Gidden and Wyedean. Altogether almost 1,000 years of manufacturing legacy, all in one place and still supplying into the UK Defence supply chain, for MPs and Lords to acknowledge British SME making and encourage the growth of the sector overall.
James Gray MP, the sponsor of the event, noted in his speech the crucial role that SMEs play in the logistics of the defence community, highlighting how SMEs make up nearly 50% of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) supply chain for the LCST programme, managed by Leidos. With the LCST programme providing essential services relating to the MOD’s material, the statistic underlines the vital role SMEs play in the UK Defence Sector every day.
Simon Fovargue, Chief Executive of Leidos UK and Europe placed emphasis on the Made in Britain organisation in his keynote, looking forward to growing still further SME participation in procurement.
“There’s a lot to believe in here. The future of British manufacturing will be built upon the shoulders of some of the UK’s oldest companies, that are still making, still trading and still setting the example of responsible, local, exemplary manufacturing, including under extreme pressure of the Coronation of King Charles in the spring of 2023 – that’s just a few months away. It might seem like an impossible ask for other sectors, but British manufacturing is proven to be able to unite around a critical mission.”
John Pearce, CEO Made in Britain
By Made in Britain 2 years ago | By Made in Britain