Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to make the defence procurement process more (a) accessible, (b) efficient, and (c) transparent for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises in Yeovil constituency.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hold a crucial place in UK defence. They are the backbone of the UK economy and are vital to delivering the innovation, expertise and agility that we need now and in the future. This is recognised in the Defence Industrial Strategy, as well as the Department’s Social Value policy.

Support through the new Office for Small Business Growth will be available to SMEs in the Yeovil constituency. The Office’s offering will be across the country and utilising effective digital tools, enabling small businesses to connect with the Office regardless of location. The Office stands up shortly.

We are also introducing a new SME Commercial Pathway as part of our broader acquisition transformation. Through this pathway, Defence will increase the number of opportunities for SMEs, and make our contracting processes simpler, less onerous and faster.