UK Docks is proud to support the North East Regional Defence & Security Cluster (NERDSC) at this year's Make UK Defence Summit.
The summit, held at the British Motor Museum in Warwick on November 18th and 19th, has nearly tripled in size since first launching, four years ago.
That growth reflects the renewed focus on investing in defence and the economic opportunities it brings to British industry, as the Government seeks greater strategic independence in an uncertain world.
UK Docks wants to ensure the North East gets its fair share of that investment for the region’s businesses and workers, and organisations like NERDSC are vital in making sure our voice is heard.
UK Docks is helped in that regard by Lesley Hawke, our newly appointed Defence Programme & Partnership Manager, who is a member of the NERDSC Steering Group.
Lesley will play an important role in representing not only UK Docks, but also the wider North East defence and security community at one of the UK's leading defence industry events.
Supporting NERDSC is a key part of UK Docks' commitment to strengthening collaboration across the regional defence ecosystem.
We recognise that the North East has an exceptional concentration of industrial capability, innovation and expertise, and that making those capabilities visible nationally is critical to unlocking future opportunities for the region.
The Make UK Defence Summit provides an important platform to engage with defence primes, government departments, the Armed Forces and supply chain partners, while showcasing the significant contribution North East businesses make to the UK's defence industrial base.
Through Lesley's participation, UK Docks is proud to support NERDSC's mission to champion regional capability, foster new partnerships, and ensure the North East's voice is represented in discussions that will shape the future of UK defence.
Meanwhile, Lesley strengthens UK Docks' business development team and supports continued growth in defence industry partnerships and opportunities.
Lesley Hawke being welcomed to the business development team of UK Docks Marine Services by Managing Director, Jonathan Wilson.
She will work across the wider group of companies to develop strategic partnerships, identify new business opportunities, and strengthen relationships with defence organisations, industry partners, and the wider supply chain.
Working alongside Business Development Director, Ben Mason, and the business development team, will play an important role in expanding UK Docks' engagement with defence programmes, developing collaborative opportunities and helping to convert emerging requirements into sustainable business growth.
UK Docks Marine Services Managing Director Jonathan Wilson summed up the importance of having Lesley on board, when he said: “We have seen first-hand the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment Lesley brings to connecting businesses and creating opportunities across the defence sector.
"Lesley will help us build upon our existing successes and develop new opportunities across the maritime and defence sectors.
"We are particularly keen to encourage greater collaboration across the UK defence supply chain, and I am confident Lesley will make a valuable contribution to that ambition."
As a business deeply rooted in the maritime and defence sectors, UK Docks believes investing time, expertise, and leadership in organisations such as NERDSC is essential to building a stronger, more resilient defence enterprise across our region.
We look forward to connecting with industry partners and promoting the North East's strengths, opportunities, and ambitions throughout the Summit.
The North East can help deliver the UK's defence ambitions.
UK Docks is proud to support NERDSC in ensuring that capability is recognised, connected and represented on the national stage.