This session aims to give insight into HMG thinking driving the Defence Command Paper (DCP) and Defence & Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS), talking in practical terms about their implications, next steps and implementation. Interaction will be encouraged via structured Q&A.
Please see below for more information on the briefing, as well as the latest agenda.
Please note that the deadline for registrations will be COP 14 May.
Briefing Details:
- This briefing is open to members and non-members
- The primary focus of the briefing will be on the implications of the DCP and DSIS for the Defence sector
- There is a limit of 2 individual registrations per company
- The briefing will be held at OFFICIAL level, classified or commercially sensitive topics will not be discussed
- The event will not be recorded
- Registration deadline COP 14 May
Agenda
|
Item |
Lead |
Duration |
Time |
|
|
1 |
Opening Remarks |
Air Marshal Richard Knighton (Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Capability))
Angus Lapsley (Director General Strategy and International)
Sir Simon Bollom (Chief Executive of DE&S) |
10 mins |
12:00-12:10 |
|
2 |
Defence Command Paper – Drivers for change
DSIS – Recognising industry as a strategic capability |
Air Marshal Richard Knighton
Angus Lapsley |
25 mins followed by 20 mins Q&A
|
12:10-12:55 |
|
3 |
A spotlight on Acquisition and Commercial reform
Implications for Defence equipment and capabilities
|
Andrew Forzani (Chief Commercial Officer)
Adrian Baguley (Director General Strategic Enablers and Deputy CEO at Defence Equipment & Support) |
25 mins followed by 20 mins Q&A
|
12:55-13:40 |
|
4 |
Reflections from industry |
Kevin Craven (DSF Executive Group Member, interim ADS CEO & Strategic Partnership Director, Serco)
Andrea Hough (DSF SME Co-Chair, Managing Director of Atec Engineering Solutions)
|
10 mins |
13:40-13:50 |
|
5 |
Closing remarks |
Angus Lapsley
Andrew Forzani
|
10 mins |
13:50-14:00 |
Fred Sugden
Fred Sugden
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07985 234 170
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including the National Armaments Directorate (NAD), UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including policy consultation, private briefings and early market engagement. The Programme supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-wimble-89183482/
Fran Richiusa
Fran Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/
