The primary role of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces is to guard the nation against threats and potential threats, keeping it safe and secure. However, as the recently published Integrated Review, Defence Command Paper and Defence & Security Industrial Strategy documents have all made clear, the environment in which the MOD and the Armed Forces operate in is fundamentally changing, and at a rapid pace. Space and Cyber Space are now recognised as operating domains in their own right, and successful investment in and exploitation of new technologies is crucial if the UK is to maintain its strategic advantage into the future.
With the focus in the MOD now rightly on sustained investment in R&D, adopting and exploiting new and novel technologies as both enablers and capabilities, a strong relationship with the UK’s digital and technology industry is key. The relationship not only helps the MOD and Armed Forces conduct valuable horizon scanning activities to better understand the technological landscape, but also helps industry to identify solutions to challenges the MOD faces as it continues on its journey of transformation.
This strategic briefing with the MOD’s Second Permanent Secretary Laurence Lee, hosted by techUK’s President Jacqueline de Rojas CBE, will enable members to hear from Laurence about the MOD’s progress towards Defence Transformation and Digital Transformation, as well as the department’s refreshed focus on Science & Technology (S&T). The briefing will include a Q&A, held under the Chatham House Rule, to discuss the challenges faced by Defence in these areas, and what industry can do to help address them.
Agenda
- Welcome & Housekeeping, Fred Sugden, Associate Director, Defence & National Security, techUK
- Speech by Laurence Lee, Second Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence
- Q&A, hosted by Jacqueline de Rojas, techUK President
- Event Close
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 Defence Digital, DE&S, innovation units and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including private briefings and early market engagement events. It also 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]
Tracy Modha
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02073312000
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83
