We’re proud to partner with Make UK Defence on events that bring real value to the sector and our latest session was no exception.

We were delighted to host the Scaling Up in the Defence Sector event – in collaboration with Make UK Defence – at our Team Valley headquarters, welcoming close to 100 delegates from across the defence and supply chain sector. The session focused on the current defence landscape, tackling barriers to growth, accessing funding, and building the capabilities needed to secure future opportunities.

Opening the session, Andrew Kinniburgh, Director-General of Make UK Defence, addressed the much-publicised delay to the Defence Investment Plan and its impact on SMEs. Yet the message was clear: momentum is building. With membership set to exceed 1,000 in 2026, Make UK Defence is rapidly strengthening its position as a powerful voice for the sector.

Delegates then heard from our own Nick Betts, Group Business Development Director, who shared the NTG growth story from our roots as Newcastle Tool & Gauge Ltd in the 1970s to the dynamic, forward-looking business we are today. Highlighting our strategic acquisitions, partnerships such as with Globus Metal Powders, and continued investment in cutting-edge technology, Nick offered a blueprint for scaling successfully in defence.

“Scaling in the defence sector isn’t just about growth it’s about building the right capabilities, making smart investments, and forming the right partnerships,” said Nick. “At NTG Group, we’ve focused on creating a business that is agile, resilient and aligned with both the current and future needs of our customers.”

Further insight came from Michael Hindhaugh, Relationship Director North East at Lloyds Banking Group, who outlined the breadth of support available to aerospace and defence businesses from its collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology Centre to green finance initiatives and a £2 billion trade finance package designed to help SMEs and mid-corporates to expand into international markets.

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Michael Hindhaugh, Simon Wadey (MBDA), Aidan Wigham (MSP) and Gareth Shaw (Pera Prometheus Consulting Ltd), where expert perspectives gave delegates valuable takeaways.

Events like this underline NTG’s commitment to driving growth, collaboration and innovation across the defence sector and we look forward to continuing the conversation.