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Defence: Small Businesses

Asked by Stuart AndersonConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 7 September 2026UIN 21674

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 11 of his department’s Defence Industrial Strategy, published 8 September 2025, what progress has been made by the Defence Office for Small Business Growth in supporting defence SMEs.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Since its establishment in January 2026, the Defence Office for Small Business Growth has launched a dedicated website and contact centre for SMEs, introduced an anonymous reporting service to identify and tackle barriers to working with Defence, simplified processes such as Technical Ability Certificates, and is developing improved guidance on security clearances. The Office also lead on the recently published SME Action Plan, informed by SME feedback, to remove barriers to entry and improve opportunities for small businesses across the defence sector.

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