MOD Delivers on Swann ask for SME Hub

Robin Swann MP has welcomed the announcement that the Ministry of Defence will be launching an RAF SME procurement hub - a key ask put to the MOD by the MP. 

In a recent meeting with the Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP, Mr Swann presented a paper on how an increase in defence expenditure can support small and medium size enterprises in Northern Ireland, as well as greater support for RAF Aldergrove. Requesting a Hub for SMEs was a core request of Mr Swann’s, and this was further requested following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review. 

Welcoming this news, the South Antrim MP said:

“I am incredibly pleased to see the MOD actioning this request and delivering an RAF SME procurement hub that I hope will be a great support to the many SMEs in Northern Ireland that currently, or could following increased investment, contribute greatly to our defence efforts. 

“This is particularly welcome with the RAF announcing their intention to allocate 40% of their future contracts to small and medium enterprises.”

“I’ve heard time and time again the difficulties that SMEs face in gaining access to contracts with the MOD and I hope this Hub will help address this core issue. It’s excellent that the Secretary of State for Defence has listened and has made this request a reality.”