Shipbuilding and SMEs
Small and Medium Sized enterprises (SMEs) support local prosperity in every corner of the UK and their work helps to ensure the UK Armed Forces have the capabilities to keep Britain and our allies around the globe safe.
The world of shipbuilding is just one area of Defence that receives support from SMEs. On Small Business Saturday, we shine a light on their supportive roles and hear from some of the many people leading them to support UK Armed Forces capability and global Britain partnerships.
Supporting Naval power systems and local skills in Glasgow
John Kirkwood, Managing Director at NCE Switchgear
“With over 35 years of manufacturing experience in bespoke electrical switchboards within both the Marine and Naval market, a combination of education and work placement over three decades has been vital in moving NCE forward so that the UK and local skill base is replenished by young talent.
“My advice to other SMEs on Small Business Saturday is don’t cast the net too wide when seeking business and build key strategic opportunities through proven capability. Most of all, mentor and bring on tomorrow’s UK talent.”
Supporting Naval technology from Southhampton
Ian Strugnell, Business Development Manager at Griffon Hoverwork Ltd
“My role in the company involves the management of various engineering projects including the In Service Support of a variety of marine craft operated by the Royal Marines. We have the capability to design, build and manufacture, as well as produce spares and do repairs at our shipyard in Southampton.
“Working in Defence has allowed us to broaden our skillset and develop a reputation in amphibious defence solutions. It has also allowed the business to grow in both resource and capability to take on larger projects and enabling us to directly support livelihoods.”
Supporting Naval engineering from Newcastle
Neil Graham, Technical Director at Royston Limited
“The business has developed into an international engine specialist with over 40 years of expertise and technical knowledge and offers services on a fleet- wide and worldwide basis, working on medium and high speed engines around the world.
“We have built our reputation based on quality and response to customer’s needs and are able to offer fleet-wide technical advice. Our work has safeguarded local jobs, allowing for additional investment to test equipment and supporting ongoing development of apprentices.”
This is an exciting time for UK shipbuilding. With the investment of £16.5 billion in the UK’s Armed Forces over four years, the funding will help to support the revitalisation of UK shipbuilding and expansion of Royal Navy vessels.
More widely, through investing in the building of new and innovative technology, equipment and skills, Defence is securing more than 300,000 jobs across the UK, helping to level up the economy across regions and communities.
