Industry, education providers, defence organisations and public sector representatives gathered in Reading on Friday for the latest Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce‘s (TVCC) Defence & Security Working Group, delivered in partnership with Green Park, to discuss how the UK’s Defence Investment Plan can support regional growth, strengthen defence capability and develop the workforce needed for the future.
Hosted by event partners Green Park at their Longwater Conference Centre and chaired by Juliette Wilcox CMG, President of Ultra Cyber Ltd, the event brought together stakeholders from across the Thames Valley’s defence and security community to examine emerging opportunities for industry and consider the practical actions needed to maximise the region’s contribution to national defence priorities.
The session opened with reflections on the Defence Investment Plan and its implications for the Thames Valley, highlighting the region’s strengths in cyber security, advanced technology, engineering, data infrastructure and innovation. Discussions considered how businesses can position themselves to benefit from future investment while supporting wider economic growth and national resilience.
A keynote presentation from James Tyler (UK MD) and Sam Keywood (Defence Lead), Equinix, explored the role of interconnectivity, coalition collaboration and data sovereignty in defence, providing insight into solutions for retaining data sovereignty while retaining agility.
The working group then took part in a series of facilitated discussions focused on skills, workforce readiness and supply chain resilience. Participants highlighted ongoing challenges around recruitment, technical skills shortages and the need to strengthen awareness of careers in the defence sector. Particular attention was given to the benefits of working on skills with construction and technology sectors and how the culture the industry affects attraction and retention.
Members also explored supply chain resilience under different scenarios and mapping defence capabilities in the region. These conversations will help shape the focus of future working group activity during 2027.
Commenting on the event, Juliette Wilcox CMG President, Ultra Cyber Ltd, said:
This forum was a valuable opportunity to highlight how the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) can drive industrial renewal and regional growth, alongside the acquisition of military capability. Discussion of the importance of large-scale data connectivity for collaboration and all-domain operations was particularly timely, as the DIP recognises the growing importance of autonomous and hybrid capabilities as part of a more integrated force
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Defence & Security Working Group continues to provide a forum for businesses, academia and public sector partners to share insight, identify opportunities and help shape the future direction of the region’s defence and security sector.
