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.
Take part in the LauchPad!
We are looking for a select group of companies to pitch live during the show for the chance to secure investment. Register for the programme and upload your business plan now to be considered.
Deadline: 19 June 2026
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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. |
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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 Bates, Founder and CEO, XeleratedFifty 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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Dr Maria Nelson, Head of Innovation & Sustainability, 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. Speakers will be announced shortly |
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. |
Speakers will be announced shortly |
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. |
Senior representatives, The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Senior representative, The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) |
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, Mercurea Rebecca Patrickson, Partner & Director, Mercurea |
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. |
Speakers will be announced shortly |
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 Dom Belza, Principal Consultant Business Winning and Growth, 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. |
Speakers will be announced shortly |
Cross Sector |
14:30 – 15:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
SC21 Workshop |
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. |
Judges will be announced shortly |
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. |
Speakers will be announced shortly |
Cross Sector |
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10:45 – 11:30 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Built Smart, Built Safe: AI & Secure‑by‑Design for Modern Business |
Session synopsis will be announced shortly. |
Jonny Hough, Senior Consultant - Cyber & Digital Strategy, Darter |
Cross Sector |
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11:30 – 12:15 |
Workshop/ interactive Q&A |
Navigating Complex Risk: Insurance for High‑Tech, High‑Stake Sectors |
An expert led session to support SMEs navigate the complex risk environment of these sectors — and understand what it takes to become a credible, compliant, and competitive supplier. |
Speakers will be announced shortly |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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.
