Welsh cyber security experts to discuss investment opportunities at conference

Cyber security experts are to meet in Cardiff over the coming weeks to talk about ways that Welsh businesses can break into the £19 billion UK defence sector.

The 2018 Defence Procurement, Research, Technology and Exportability exhibition will take place at the Motorpoint Arena on March 27th, giving Welsh firms a chance to discuss investment opportunities.

Over the last few years, Wales has grown a large cyber security community. It’s led by start-ups as well as more established firms, including Airbus Group’s Newport-based cyber security operation.

At this year’s DPRTE event, technology and cyber security will be at the top of the agenda. There’ll be a plethora of industry talks, training sessions and networking slots.

According to the organisers, the event is aimed at “encouraging collaboration across industry, academia and allies” and boosting “the competitive advantage of UK defence”.

DPRTE is targeted at organisations in areas such as construction, office supplies, clothing, medical research, logistics, technology, communications, accountancy and recruitment.

Speakers include the likes of Andrew Forzani, chief commercial officer of the UK Ministry of Defence; Gary Aitkenhead, chief executive of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; and Les Mosco, former commercial director of the Ministry of Defence.

Mosco said the event will help promote the Welsh cyber security market. “The UK’s defence marketplace offers enormous growth potential for Wales’ economy and job creation prospects,” said the speaker.

“With an annual spend of about £19Bn per year, encompassing almost all types of goods and services, the diverse nature of Wales’ business community means there are real opportunities for cyber security companies and developers of innovative technology platforms.

He added: “The challenges faced by large public bodies such as the MOD, often require the agility and inventiveness inherent to SMEs, as much as they do the resources and reach of major enterprises.

“Both are present here in Wales, and DPRTE stands to enable all to discover where their services and products can assist large public-sector organisations.”

Simon Burges, who is organising the 2018 conference, said: “DRPTE is designed to enable businesses of all sizes from across Wales and the UK to explore how their offerings can be incorporated into the MOD’s extensive supply chain. ”

Image credit: Valerie Everett