The visit was set up by NDI, the division of manufacturers’ organisation EEF, representing Britain’s Defence, Security, Aerospace and Space industries, and was hosted by Pearson Engineering at its Armstrong Works headquarters in Newcastle.
The minister was shown around the plant by Pearson’s managing director and chairman of NDI, Craig Priday, and saw where the company produces combat engineering and mine clearance systems that are used worldwide.
Baldwin then joined leaders from 12 other local defence firms including CAV Ice Protection, Parmley Technologies, Houlder and Springwell Precision, in a roundtable discussion of topics crucial to small and medium-sized businesses supplying the armed forces.
As the MOD revises its industrial policy, which is scheduled to be published later this year, topics covered included how the MOD can engender greater UK supply chain involvement in MOD competitions, how SMEs can be supported to grow their exports, and how innovation can be incentivised within the UK defence supply chain.
Accompanying the minister to Newcastle was the MOD’s director of prosperity and international business, Huw Walters - the senior official in charge of preparing the new policy along the lines of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.
The MOD is looking to increase the proportion of spend through SMEs from 19% to 25% by the end of this Parliament. Baldwin discussed the military and economic benefits from pursuing such a policy, highlighting that SMEs in particular had a key role to play in helping innovation in the defence sector.
She says: “The North East makes an important contribution to our national security and economy. From the Ajax armoured vehicle to our new carriers, the companies I’ve met are delivering the equipment and services our Armed Forces need to keep Britain safe.”
Managing director of Pearson Engineering Craig Priday, says: “NDI members, like the 12 North East firms represented here today, make an enormous contribution to the capabilities of our armed forces and it is reassuring that the MOD is taking the time to hear and consider the views of the UK defence community right across the supply chain as it formulates its future policy intentions.”
