KDC Sponsors DEMC Breakfast event

It was a pleasure to sponsor last week’s Dorset Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster (DEMC) breakfast event at the BattleLab. The morning brought together a room full of curious, experienced, and forward-thinking minds, all focused on a shared challenge: how to navigate and succeed in the defence supply chain as an SME.

The event, held in the collaborative setting of the BattleLab, set out to demystify the complex landscape of defence procurement.

Demystifying the Defence Supply Chain

The morning began with a series of insightful talks aimed at breaking down the barriers SMEs often face when approaching the defence sector. From understanding procurement processes to knowing how to position themselves effectively, attendees were given a clear look at both the challenges and the opportunities.

It was encouraging to see such open discussion about entry points, expectations from primes, and the practical steps smaller companies can take to stand out.

Perspectives from Across the Sector

TKMS ATLAS UK opened the speaker line-up with a focused talk on simplifying defence procurement. Their message was clear: the route into defence doesn’t have to be overly complicated if you understand what’s expected and where to begin.

Weymouth Precision Engineers followed with a real-world example of an SME navigating the journey into the defence supply chain. Their story gave weight to the morning’s themes and showed the value of persistence, clarity, and relationship-building.

Hellios Information then offered a detailed look at the JOSCAR programme – a key tool for many SMEs in gaining credibility and meeting the baseline requirements for defence sector engagement.

Rounding off the morning, Ian Thompson shared KDC’s experience over the last five years, highlighting how we’ve built meaningful partnerships and evolved into a trusted supplier to several primes. It was a valuable reminder that growth in this space often comes through long-term engagement and trust.

Space to Connect and Collaborate

Beyond the talks, the event provided plenty of opportunity for informal conversations. From swapping experiences to sparking new collaborations, the networking element was just as valuable as the scheduled content. It was a good reminder that while processes matter, people and partnerships remain at the heart of the supply chain.

Looking Ahead

Events like these are a vital part of strengthening connections across the defence sector – not just between SMEs and primes, but across the entire ecosystem. As a sponsor, we were proud to support and we look forward to the next one.