New Era of Growth for UK Defence

This morning, 3 March 2025, the UK government announced a new era of growth for the UK defence sector.

James Hall, Managing Director of EMBS, dissects the government’s landmark announcement, revealing how this surge in defence spending, with its laser focus on SMEs, is set to reshape the East Midlands’ industrial landscape.

This morning’s landmark announcement from the UK government signals a significant shift in the nation’s defence landscape. With a historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and a vision to reach 3% in the next Parliament, the government is poised to inject billions into the sector. Crucially, a major focus is on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to play a pivotal role in this growth, unlocking new jobs and driving economic prosperity across the UK.

A Catalyst for SME Growth

The government’s announcement includes:

New SME Spending Targets

The Ministry of Defence will set direct SME spending targets by June, ensuring a greater share of defence investment reaches smaller businesses.

A Dedicated Support Hub

A new hub will provide SMEs with guidance on navigating the defence supply chain, simplifying access to contracts and opportunities.

Focus on Regional Growth

Nearly 70% of defence spending currently benefits regions outside London and the South East. The new initiatives aim to further bolster these local economies, particularly in areas like ours in the East Midlands, Northern Ireland, Yorkshire, and the Humber and the North West.

Increased Resilience and Innovation

The government’s push to engage SMEs will strengthen the UK’s defence industrial base and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

How EMBS Can Help UK Businesses Capitalise on This Opportunity

As a specialist engineering recruitment consultancy, EMBS is uniquely positioned to support UK businesses, particularly SMEs, in navigating this period of rapid expansion within the defence sector.

Talent Acquisition for a Growing Sector

The increased defence spending will create a surge in demand for skilled engineers, technicians, and other specialised professionals. EMBS, with its deep expertise in engineering recruitment, can help businesses identify and attract the talent they need to capitalise on new opportunities.

We can provide access to a wide network of qualified candidates, ensuring businesses have the workforce to meet the demands of increased production and innovation.

Navigating the Defence Supply Chain

The government’s new support hub will provide valuable guidance, but EMBS can further assist SMEs in understanding the intricacies of the defence supply chain.

We can provide consultancy on workforce planning, ensuring businesses have the right skills and personnel to meet the requirements of defence contracts.

Driving Innovation and Growth

SMEs are vital to innovation in the defence sector. EMBS can help businesses build teams that are equipped to develop and implement new technologies.

By understanding the tech side of the engineering sector, EMBS can help to recruit people with the skills to accelerate the government’s goals of technological advancement.

Supporting Regional Economic Growth

With a strong understanding of the UK’s regional engineering landscape, EMBS can help businesses in areas like the East Midlands access the talent they need to drive local economic growth.

As EMBS is based in Derbyshire, it has a strong understanding of the local area and the businesses operating within the midlands.

A New Era for UK Defence

The government’s commitment to increased defence spending and SME support marks a new era for the UK defence industry. EMBS is ready to partner with UK businesses. We are ready to help them seize this opportunity, drive innovation and contribute to the nation’s security and economic prosperity. Building a stronger and more resilient UK defence sector requires bridging the talent gap and providing expert recruitment solutions. EMBS can play a vital role in this.

You can read the Government’s full announcement here.

About EMBS

EMBS, based in Derbyshire, specialises in Engineering and Technology recruitment. We align talent with growth, empowering businesses and individuals. With 20 plus years’ experience, our collaborative team delivers expert solutions. As trusted partners, we leverage specialist advisors for optimal talent decisions.

About James Hall

James Hall is a seasoned engineering recruitment expert, serving as Managing Director and Co-Owner of EMBS Group.

With a proven track record spanning 17 years, he has established himself as a trusted authority in engineering talent solutions. His expertise encompasses technical recruitment, executive-level placements, recruitment process optimisation and strategic workforce planning.

Leading EMBS Engineering for a decade, James has cultivated a deep understanding of the UK’s engineering landscape. He is passionate about delivering skilled engineers. Engineers who drive technological advancement, challenging industry norms and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. His leadership focuses on candidate experience, relationship building and achieving ambitious growth targets, driven by his core value of tenacity.