Challenges for Small Companies Dealing with Prime Contractors and Defence Procurement
More often than not it is the small to medium size companies that are able to be light of foot and offer real innovation. However, the route to market is a challenging one with many obstacles in the way that often sees these ideas and new products failing or simply not getting the attention they deserve. What is the driver - innovation free from regulations or regulations to help control and shape innovation? Balance is required.
However, if you talk to the seniors within the UK MOD they want new products that can either give a real advantage / financial benefit, or both, in a way that the big prime contractors cannot match. At the 2015 Defence and Security International Event (DSEI) in London First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas said in his keynote speech, ‘So I’m looking for imagination and ambition, both from inside the Navy and outside it. Civil and military technological development has always been intertwined. And when I say us, I don't mean the Royal Navy. I don't even mean Defence. I mean you and us. Research, industry, manufacturing.’ He continued, 'SMEs are the backbone of the American and European economies. The United States’ 30 million SMEs account for nearly two-thirds of net new private sector jobs in recent decades. SMEs that export tend to grow even faster and create more jobs.'
Andrew Hughes - Business Development SHOXS
Andrew has worked within the military boats sector for the majority of his working life. After completing engineering training, he quickly moved to boat building at RTK Marine. Working on the laminating, electrical, engineering and general fit out of the craft before moving into the testing and commissioning of the craft. RTK was then bought by VT Halmatic where he worked as a Sales Executive, test coxswain and commissioning engineer including delivery of high speed interceptors and RIBs.
VT Halmatic then when went through a transition and ownership to become BAE Systems Small Boats. Here he worked as a Project Manager for several years before taking on the role of Business Development Manager working to reestablish the brand and to secure significant orders with the UK MOD.
Andrew recently moved to SHOXS as a business development manager for Europe where he wants to bring the best shock mitigation technology to all types of users.
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NEXT GEN Workshops PRESENTATION: Andrew Hughes
Challenges for Small Companies Dealing with Prime Contractors and Defence Procurement