The inaugural DSRC event saw more than 1,000 delegates coming together over the two-day event at ICC Wales to support strengthening the UK’s defence sector.
The event included more than 60 exhibitors, which included Business in Focus, Natwest, Dev Bank of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University, bringing together large, small and medium businesses and organisations to explore opportunities and help strengthen the defence sector. Headline sponsors, General Dynamics Land Systems and ADS Group, also exhibited and took part in a number of insightful discussions over the two-days.
The agenda also included a number of keynote speakers, including Gordon Cerrera, former Security Correspondent at BBC and co-host of “The Rest is Classified” podcast; Scott Milne, Director at General Dynamics Land Systems; and Secretary State for Wales, Stephen Kinnock.
In addition, attendees also had the opportunity to explore ‘Meet the Buyer’ and ‘Meet the Investor’ sessions, giving a platform for innovators to showcase their company’s unique selling points and make potential business deals. These sessions had billions-worth of finance available, with a total of 176 meet with buyers sessions and 6 investor pitches taking place.
Through co-sponsorship between Cardiff University, Cardiff and Vale College and University of South Wales, 109 students were also able to meet with 14 Prime companies, creating new networking opportunities and helping to unlock new doors for their future career goals.
Speaking on the success of the event, Phil Jones, founder of DSRC commented: “I’m really delighted with how the first DSRC event went. We were able to connect more than a thousand delegates over the two days to meet with vital investors, buyers and engage in meaningful conversation.
“DSRC is the first of its kind in Wales and our aim was to help connect small businesses and SMEs get a foot through the door into the defence, security and resilience sectors, which can be difficult to break into. We certainly achieved that, and it was great to see so many people in the room. We’re already thinking of next year’s event and how we’ll expertly address real, current affairs.”
Following the success of the first DSRC, a date has already been set for May 2027. More details will be available soon via https://www.dsr.cymru/.
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