15/06/2026
It was a pleasure to attend the launch of the Yorkshire Regional Defence & Security Cluster last week at the invitation of Mark Bates.
With defence spending high on the political agenda and budgets set to increase significantly in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, the UK’s defence sector presents substantial opportunities for businesses of all sizes. However, for many SMEs, entering the sector can be challenging, particularly when it comes to navigating complex procurement processes and stringent compliance requirements.
At Haddletons, we recognise both the opportunities and the challenges facing businesses looking to enter the defence supply chain. As more organisations explore opportunities within the sector, we are well placed to support SMEs with the legal and commercial guidance they need to engage confidently with defence contractors, government bodies and the wider defence ecosystem.
Last week’s event brought together an impressive mix of organisations from across the defence landscape, including SMEs, the MOD, combined authorities, academia and research institutions. It was encouraging to see so many stakeholders working towards a shared goal of improving access to opportunities within the defence sector and strengthening Yorkshire’s position within the UK’s defence and security community.
Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a valuable event. We look forward to supporting businesses seeking to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
