25th October 2022, Parliamentarians gathered in the House of Commons to recognise the important role Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in keeping UK Defence moving.
Hosted by Leidos, the ‘Supporting the Government’s Supply Chain’ event put the contributions of SMEs in the UK Defence supply chain front and centre for MPs and Lords to see.
James Gray MP, the sponsor of the event, noted in his speech the crucial role that SMEs play in the logistics of the defence community, highlighting how SMEs make up nearly 50% of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) supply chain for the Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation (LCST) Programme.
With the LCST programme providing essential services relating to the MOD’s materiel, the statistic underlines the vital role SMEs play in the UK Defence Sector every day.
James Gray MP said:
“The relationship that has been built between UK Defence and SMEs has never been stronger, with SMEs never having played as crucial a role as they do currently.
“Through today’s event, Leidos has allowed MPs and Lords to hear for themselves the tireless work these businesses and their teams undertake, supporting not only the day-to-day activity of our military community but rising to the occasion when asked to support preparations for HM Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral.”
Simon Fovargue, Chief Executive of Leidos UK and Europe said:
“Through its stewardship of the vital LCST programme, Leidos has seen first-hand the immense contribution of SMEs in the Government supply chain.
“That’s why we’ve hosted this event today: to not only highlight the valuable work that goes into supporting UK Defence’s logistics, but to showcase the role of SMEs in this and show them just how much their contribution is appreciated.”
