Small and medium-sized businesses from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh on 7 August for a Ministry of Defence roundtable focused on defence innovation, growth, and industrial strategy.
Chaired by UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker, the meeting highlighted the key role of SMEs in strengthening national security and contributing to the UK economy.
The event, held at Queen Elizabeth House, brought together eight Scottish companies just a day after the Minister’s visit to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It follows the government’s renewed pledge to increase SME defence spending by £2.5 billion over the next three years, bringing total projected SME spend to £7.5 billion by 2028.
Lord Coaker said it was “fantastic to meet many innovative Scottish companies who play a crucial role in strengthening our national security, boosting growth and providing jobs in their local communities.” He added that defence would act as “an engine for economic growth – as we deliver on our Plan for Change.”
The UK Government says defence investment is helping to renew Scotland’s industrial base. According to the latest figures, the Ministry of Defence spends more than £2 billion annually with Scotland’s defence sector, supporting nearly 12,000 jobs.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray described the uplift in UK defence spending as delivering “a huge defence dividend for Scotland.” He added: “Through events such as today’s roundtable we are working closely with industry and supply chains to maximise Scotland’s defence dividend. Our new Brand Scotland campaign will seek to build on that success and help the sector export its world class technology around the world.”
Programmes such as the redevelopment of His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde are also expected to create skilled jobs and opportunities for SMEs across the country. As the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy is finalised, the UK Government says it will deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors, including smaller firms that deliver innovation at pace.
The roundtable included ADS Scotland, Gibson Robotics, Rhea Space Activity UK, ThinkTank Maths, Quickblock, MSB, JD Wilkie and MacTaggart Scott.
Hate to say this but it might be wise to spread the work around.
At the next election there will be no area which should not be basking in the glow of defence spending.
I understand why successive governments keep boosting the defence industry in Scotland and thats to try and keep them in the Union.
But surely, national security comes first? Wouldn’t it be more efficient to spread the defence industry all over the UK? Especially shipbuilding?
“Government working to maximise Scottish defence Industry”
Nothing to get upset about in that headline. The UK as a whole has a thriving Defence Industry, I think George mentioned that 90% of it “gets done” in the rest of the UK.
As long as It’s spread around fairly and efficiently I see no problem here.
I’m curious if there is an actual breakdown somewhere. Most navy related things are in Scotland. Wales gets army vehicles and munitions. Northern Ireland gets lightweight missiles. England gets what’s left of Eurofighter, boxer, presumably some munitions and missiles.
Total spend (£ billions) Spend per person (£)
South East 7.1 750
South West 6.9 1,190
North West 3.8 500
Scotland 2.1 390
London 2.1 230
West Midlands 1.6 260
East of England 1.5 230
East Midlands 1.4 290
Wales 0.9 290
Yorkshire and the Humber 0.6 110
North East 0.4 140
Northern Ireland 0.2 120
28 May 2025 UK defence spending
Thanks Coll. 👍👍👍
No worries. Sadly, I tried to space it out, but it was squished together.
So despite appearances and all the frigates Coll, Scotland only does moderately well out of the geographical split in defence spending, and the overwhelming majority goes to the south west and south east of England. Who would have guessed?
Traditional and historical Defence business areas, Skills base and supply lines account for much of this. As with most large Industrial business’s I guess.
Defence will create mire skilled jobs than Milliband’s windmills.
I wonder when a similar event will be held in South Wales or the North-East of England…or any other areas of the country where politicians want to create jobs.
Everything except actually ordering things