Empowering UK SMEs
Where knowledge meets opportunity, The Enterprise Gateway will give every participant the tools, connections, and confidence to move their business forward. As part of Farnborough International Airshow’s ambition to support growing UK businesses, The Enterprise Gateway will be run alongside to the established Business Connections Exchange programme to provide businesses with end-to-end support, from practical, hands-on business guidance, to buyer matchmaking and securing targeted meetings. Participants will be able to unlock access to both exclusive business development opportunities.
The Enterprise Gateway drives supply chain development for meaningful business connections. Taking place at the heart of the Farnborough International Airshow, this three-day, expert-led feature is where SMEs meet innovation and growth opportunities.
Designed with SMEs in mind, The Enterprise Gateway is a dynamic platform to learn, connect, and collaborate on the biggest challenges shaping business today, from navigating procurement systems and funding innovation, to tackling regulation, security, and exports.
Unlock a curated programme of:
- Keynotes
- Workshops
- Mentoring
- Live pitching sessions
Participants will also gain direct access to industry experts, policymakers, and investors, turning insight into action. Aligning with the UK Government’s Plan for Change and FIA’s mission to drive international prosperity, this feature empowers global businesses to build stronger supply chains, secure new opportunities, and accelerate sustainable growth.
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TUESDAY 21ST JULY |
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Time |
Format |
Session title |
Session summary |
Speakers |
Sector/Theme |
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10:00 – 10:05 |
Keynote |
Welcome |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Ella Williamson, Conference Chair |
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10:05 – 10:15 |
Keynote |
Opening Address |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Senior Representative, HM Government |
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10:15 – 11:00 |
Panel/Fireside |
Bridging UK Aerospace & Defence SMEs to Global Opportunity: International Perspectives on Supply Chain Growth |
In an era of rapid technological change and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the UK’s aerospace and defence ecosystem is under increasing pressure to innovate, collaborate, and scale. Small and medium‑sized enterprises sit at the heart of this transformation—yet many still face barriers when navigating international markets, global procurement pathways, and cross‑border partnerships. |
Nicola Quinn, Founder and CEO, XeleratedFifty More speakers will be announced shortly |
Cross Sector |
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11:00 – 12:00 |
2 x Keynote slots (30 mins each) |
The Backbone of Capability: Understanding Aerospace & Defence Procurement Systems |
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Steve Prest, Managing Director, Alatar Ltd |
Defence/ Aerospace |
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Andrew Brough, Head of Analytics and Economics, ATI |
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12:00 – 12:30 |
Panel |
SMEs & Primes: Breaking Barriers, Building Capability |
A focused, honest panel on the structural challenges SMEs face — and the tangible actions Primes are taking to support and implement positive change.
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Moderator: Adie Holt, Venture Director, Form1 Partners Chris Daniels, Chief Commercial Officer, Flare Bright Ltd. Dr Simon Harwood, UK (CTO) Strategy, Technology and Innovation Director, Leonardo Andrew Munday, Global Technology Director, Babcock
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Cross Sector |
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12:30 – 13:30 |
Mentoring (Ask the Expert) Sessions & Networking refreshment break |
Experts will be announced shortly |
Cross sector |
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13:30 – 14:30 |
Panel/Fireside |
Meet the customer: Challenges, requirements, use cases from the users perspective - A Reverse Dragons’ Den for Defence Innovation |
This dynamic, audience‑driven session flips the traditional innovation pitch format on its head. Instead of suppliers pitching solutions, the customers—frontline users, programme leads, and operational stakeholders—take the stage to present their real‑world challenges, unmet needs, and emerging use cases. |
Moderator: Linc Taylor, Co-founder & Director, Pharazon Limited Tim Ketton-Locke, Deputy Director of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, MoD Ted Colbert, CEO, Board Director and Former CIO Matthew Sobecki, Former U.S. Army Futures Command, Defense Innovation & Ventures Air Cdre Patrick Shea-Simonds, Head Capability Futures, RAF |
Cross Sector |
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14:30 – 15:30 |
Panel |
Regulation & Certification Unpacked: A Knowledge Exchange for Aerospace & Defence SMEs |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Commodore Neil Matheison, The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Senior representative, The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Dave Connor, Chief Executive, RVL Aviation Dave Woods, Head of Safety & Regulations, Tekever |
Defence / Aerospace |
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15:30 – 17:30 |
Interactive Workshop/ Networking |
From Opportunity to Submission: How to Write Bids That Actually Win |
A practical, SME-focused workshop demystifying the bid writing process within aerospace, defence and adjacent sectors. The session will cover how to interpret tender requirements, structure clear and compelling responses, avoid common pitfalls, and differentiate propositions in competitive procurements, with a strong focus on thinking like an evaluator. |
Al Wright, Bid Consultant, Parallel Track Dom Belza, Principal Consultant Business Winning and Growth, White Tree Leon Sears, Technical Services Director, White Tree |
Cross Sector |
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WEDNESDAY 22nd JULY |
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Time |
Format |
Session title |
Session summary |
Speakers |
Sector/Theme |
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10:00 – 10:45 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Commercial & legal workshop |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Jessica Wood, Partner & Director, Mercurae Rebecca Patrickson, Partner & Director, Mercurae Adam Edwards, Director & Partner, Mercurae
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Cross Sector |
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10:45 – 11:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Fit for Funding: A Workshop on Investment Readiness |
This workshop equips Aerospace and Defence SMEs with a clear understanding of the funding and investment landscape, helping you assess whether your business is ready—and right—for external finance. With increasing pressure to innovate, scale, and meet the demands of global supply chains, many organisations are exploring new routes to capital. This session breaks down the options, the expectations of investors, and the strategic considerations unique to the A&D sector. |
Moderator: James Parkin, Founding Partner, Thorium Capital Neil Hill, CEO, Barossa Partners Sanjeev Gordhan, General Partner, Type One Venture |
Cross Sector |
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11:30 – 12:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Pitching for Impact: How to Win Over Buyers, Investors and Partners |
An interactive session exploring how SMEs can tailor their pitch for different audiences, including primes, investors, government and strategic partners. The workshop focuses on clarity of proposition, storytelling, delivery under scrutiny, and building confidence in high-stakes pitch environments. |
Gary Miller, White Tree Tony Marsh, Director - New Business, White Tree |
Cross Sector |
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12:30 – 13:30 |
Mentoring (Ask the Expert) Sessions & Networking refreshment break |
Experts will be announced shortly |
Cross sector |
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13:30 – 14:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Scaling for Export: What SMEs need to know about certification, compliance, and procurement expectations in key markets. |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Adrian Bond, Head of Intelligence, Compliance and David Morgan, CEO & Medical Director, Black Space Technology Lloyd Fallesen, CEO & Founder, Karve International Ian Powell, Head of Legal, Cambridge Aerospace Senior representative, UK Export Finance |
Cross Sector |
14:30 – 15:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Linking Your Improvement to Strategy |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Steve Collins, Head of SC21, ADS
Melody Little, Supplier Development Manager, Thales UK |
Aerospace |
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15:30 – 17:00 |
Pitch Sessions |
Launch Pad Pitches |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Facilitator: Gerald Law, CEO, Innovation DB and Forum Ltd Nicola Quinn, Founder & CEO, XeleratedFifty |
Cross Sector |
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THURSDAY 23RD JULY |
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Time |
Format |
Session title |
Session summary |
Speakers |
Sector/Theme |
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10:00 - 10:45 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Accessing Defence & National Security Frameworks: A Guide for SMEs |
This session will explore how enterprises can successfully enter, operate within, and scale in the defence and national security ecosystem - Bridging three core themes: national resilience as an emerging opportunity space, funding pathways for innovation and growth, and practical routes to market for SMEs. |
Waseem Kazi, Principal Consultant/MoD Portfolio - Supply Chain Lead at AtkinsRéalis – Defence Will Machin, Client Director, Daintta Ltd Dan Edmunds, CEO, Espanaro Ltd Charlie Lamin, Account Manager, SA Group Ltd |
Cross Sector |
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10:45 – 11:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Built Smart, Built Secure: Responsible and Assured AI for Mission-Critical Organisations |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Henry Monelle, Partner for Data & AI, Darter |
Cross Sector |
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11:30 – 12:15 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
ESA 101: how to work with the European Space Agency |
This session will give a quick crash course on the European Space Agency - what it is, how it operates, the UK's role, types of contracts and how you win them, and how UK government can support you. It is intended for companies and organisations that have limited experience of working with ESA and want to find out more. |
Vicky Chau, Deputy Head of ESA Operations, UK Space Agency - DSIT |
Space |
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12:30 – 13:30 |
Mentoring (Ask the Expert) Sessions & Networking refreshment break |
Experts will be announced shortly |
Cross sector |
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13:30 – 14:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Defence Pathways for Space SMEs: Navigating Access and Opportunity |
This session will explore how enterprises can successfully enter, operate within, and scale in the defence and national security ecosystem - Bridging three core themes: national resilience as an emerging opportunity space, funding pathways for innovation and growth, and practical routes to market for SMEs. |
Moderator: Joanna Hart, Space Partnerships, Space Partnership Director Diana Luncă, Senior Programme Lead Unlocking Space for Defence, UK Space Agency Tim Ketton-Locke, Deputy Director of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, MoD Andy Vooght, Solutions Architect, CGI Sharon Parker-Lines, Deputy Managing Director, Astroscale
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Cross Sector |
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14:30 – 15:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Mission‑Driven Innovation: Turning Technology into Defence Capability |
This session examines why the path from promising innovation to deployable defence capability remains one of the most challenging transitions in the defence and national security ecosystem. Drawing on both academic research and hands‑on industry experience, the discussion explores the structural, cultural, and operational factors that shape whether a technology ever reaches the hands of the people who need it. |
Simon Race, Co-founder & Director, Pharazon Limited Linc Taylor, Co-founder & Director, Pharazon Limited |
Cross Sector |
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15:30 – 17:00 |
Pitch session |
Launch Pad Pitches |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Judges will be announced shortly |
Cross Sector |
Register for The Enterprise Gateway here.
ADS members are entitled to 10% discount, reach out to [email protected] to learn more.
Please note, all Business Connections Exchange and The Enterprise Gateway participants must hold a valid FIA2026 ticket on the day of attendance.
