The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the role of British small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK’s nuclear defence ecosystem with new initiatives aimed at increasing access and investment across the supply chain.
Responding to questions from James Cartlidge MP (Conservative – South Suffolk), Defence Minister Maria Eagle said the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) already includes “over 3,000 UK-based businesses including many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are contributing significantly to innovation, supply chain efficiency, and local economies.”
To support further growth, Eagle confirmed the launch of a new SME access hub, designed to provide better entry points for small businesses into the broader defence industrial base, including the nuclear enterprise.
“We will also set direct SME spending targets by June this year,” she added, “ensuring that thousands of small businesses in the UK will benefit from the decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.”
The move follows growing calls for greater industrial inclusivity as Britain ramps up investment in its nuclear deterrent, submarine fleet, and associated infrastructure. The MoD said it continues to work closely with prime contractors through “a network of their SME Champions, trade associations and SME representatives to ensure that SMEs have fair access to opportunities in all our supply chains.”
