World’s biggest firms to give £25bn boost to Scotland’s SMEs

Boeing, Rolls Royce and Bombardier are among several manufacturing giants heading to Glasgow for a major event this month which aims to help Scottish SME’s tap into the supply chain opportunities of some of the world’s biggest firms.

The MoD, BAE Systems and Babcock International will also be in attendance as the NDI Opportunities Conference – supported by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International – brings up to £25bn worth of future supply chain opportunities to Scotland.

SMEs from a number of fast-moving sectors will be able to learn how to gain access to the supply chains of some of the world’s biggest firms, while also getting the opportunity to engage with them.

The event, at the Hilton Glasgow on 28^th November will bring to Scotland speakers and delegates from tier one industrial suppliers including Selex and Thales as well as public-facing organisations such as the Metropolitan Police Service and Glasgow Airport.

The aim of the conference is to give SMEs the knowledge and networking opportunities to unlock these contracts.

Attendees will have the option of taking part in face-to-face meetings with buyers with real purchasing requirements to increase their chances of landing potentially lucrative new contracts.

Ian McMahon, head of aerospace, defence and marine, Scottish Enterprise said, "This event offers an excellent opportunity, right on our own doorstep, for Scottish companies to engage directly with leading global industry buyers, promote their products, services and expertise to key audiences and establish a presence in some very prestigious supply chains.

“By supporting this event, we aim to help more Scottish aerospace, defence and marine companies realise their ambitious growth plans - ultimately driving home long-term sustainable wealth for the Scottish economy."

Event host NDI works with businesses to help them gain access to supply chain opportunities within the defence, aerospace, space, marine and security sectors.

NDI’s executive director David Townsley said: “This is a fantastic chance for businesses to potentially procure new contracts and find out more about prime contractors and their supply chains in terms of what they need and what they are looking for.

“We have experts in the field of all the key sectors we operate in to address the 150+ businesses we are expecting to attend, so it should be extremely valuable for any SME operating within these fields.”

Stephen Cowan, general manager of supply chain at Bombardier will kick the event off by sharing invaluable information on opportunities within the firm’s supply chain and how to tap into them.

Senior procurement figures from SAAB Bofors Dynamics, meanwhile, will reveal how Saab, with the support of NDI, put together the team that won a £400m+ contract with the British and Swedish MoDs, which is regarded in the defence industry as a real victory for UK SMEs.

Boeing’s industrial participation specialist Tim Wheeler will also be in attendance to set out exactly how best to win business within Boeing’s vast supply chain.

Supply chain opportunities will also be the focus of a session from BAE Systems, with the organisation’s Gary McCloskey explaining how SMEs can get involved in the Type 26 Global Combat Ship Programme.

NDI Opportunities Conference: Building for Growth takes place on Wednesday 28th November at the Hilton Glasgow hotel. To book your place call 0191 426 6333, email events@ndi.org.uk or visit www.ndi.org.uk/ndi-conferences.