Winning Defence Work: A West Midlands Business Briefing
23rd September 2026 09:00 to 11:30 ORAPI Maintenance UK £15.00 + VAT per delegate
With Guest Event Host:
The UK defence sector is growing fast - and so is demand for capable regional suppliers. FinditintheBlackCountry and event partners, the West Midlands Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition Programme and ORAPI Maintenance UK, are bringing together major contractors, regional experts and SMEs already winning defence contracts to show you exactly how to get in.
Whether you're already supplying the sector or exploring it as a new market, you'll leave with a practical route map: who to talk to, what contractors actually want from suppliers and how to position your business to win.
On the agenda:
- The West Midlands defence and security landscape, and where the growth is heading.
- What major contractors look for from SME suppliers.
- Procurement routes, supply chain entry points and business support available.
- Live panel Q&A: how SMEs are actually winning defence work.
- Targeted networking with manufacturers, engineers and defence supply chain professionals.
Confirmed speakers:
- Steve Massey, Strategic Programme Procurement Specialist - Babcock International Group.
- Charlie Hopkirk, Cluster Manager - West Midlands Growth Company.
- Ryan Protheroe, Cluster Manager - Midlands Cyber.
- David East, UK Divisional Director - ORAPI Maintenance UK.
- More speakers to be announced shortly.
Who's it for?
Manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defence, technology, cyber security and industrial supply chain businesses across the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry and the wider West Midlands
Strictly limited to 40-50 places to keep the discussion and networking high-quality, and one representative per organisation.
COST: £15.00 + Vat - This event is FREE for our PREMIUM MEMBERS. Not Premium? Upgrade here >
In partnership with: The West Midlands Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition Programme
Enabling manufacturing SMEs to access a fully funded package of support to help explore, develop and supply the region’s OEMs and key customers across new and emerging clusters in Health Tech, Med Tech, Future Housing & Other Green Industries, Smart Energy Systems, Aerospace, Light Electric Vehicles & Battery Manufacturing.
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - If you would like to be added to our reserve list please email: claire@finditin.co.uk
ORAPI Maintenance UK, Britannia Point, Patent Drive, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 7XD
Event Sponsors
The West Midlands Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition Programme
