Date: Thursday 16 October | Time: 5.30pm | Location: Walker Morris, Leeds
The Strategic Defence Review opens up major growth opportunities for Northern businesses with an interest in the defence sector. Those who understand the landscape and collaborate effectively with other stakeholders will be best placed to succeed with a compelling, integrated offering. At our exclusive event, we’re connecting technology firms, manufacturers, private equity investors and defence organisations to help you grow your network and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Gain valuable insights during the event
Our keynote speech, delivered by General, Sir Tom Copinger-Symes will offer unique insight as to the rationale behind the SDR and its findings, as well as how businesses must adapt to support today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
The event will also cover:
Strategic defence review insights
General, Sir Tom Copinger-Symes will share perspectives on the UK Government’s industrial strategy, procurement priorities, and integrated force objectives – exploring the evolving threat environments, hybrid warfare, and cyber challenges.
Technology & capability
Discover the role of dual-use technologies and digital enablers like AI, data integration, and cyber resilience. We’ll discuss their impact on traditional manufacturing and the importance of secure, trusted supply chains.
Economic & regional opportunities
Explore how Yorkshire and the North can become hubs for defence innovation, leveraging local SMEs and manufacturing strengths.
Collaboration & investment
Learn how early engagement between defence, industry, and investors can unlock growth. We’ll cover legal frameworks, IP protection, and the role of private equity and venture capital in scaling innovation.
General, Sir Tom Copinger-Symes
General, Sir Tom is Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command, responsible for overseeing Defence’s Multi Domain Integration programme, as well as change and capability projects across campaigning, integration and cyber. He has extensive operational experience and a decade of leadership in data and digital strategy.
Martin Davis
Martin is Managing Partner of EDT Ventures Ltd, a pan-European dual-use technology fund that invests in innovative technologies to advance the defence, security and resilience of the UK and Europe. With more than 25 years experience in finance and technology, Martin is widely recognised for his strategic vision and leadership.
James Crayton
James is a Partner and Head of Commercial here at Walker Morris. He is a leading commercial contracts lawyer, drafting and negotiating the contracts that underpin his clients’ most important commercial relationships.
4th panellist to be confirmed. We will be in touch with further details.
