Defence and Security Working Group

The Defence and Security Working Group is an industry-led forum for collaboration, insight and influence, bringing together leaders from across the sector. Attendees include global corporates, innovative SMEs, academic and education institutions (including the LSIP’s workforce development partnership), government stakeholders, professional bodies and respected thought leaders.

This group plays a critical role in shaping the national conversation on defence and security. Through informed debate and shared expertise, members explore key policy challenges, contribute to sector-wide responses and support effective Parliamentary engagement.

Insights from the group directly inform the Chambers’ policy work, ensuring the voice of industry is heard at the highest levels. This Working Group is also endorsed by Tan Dhesi, MP, Slough, Chair of Defence Select Committee, and Will Stone, MP, Swindon North, Labour Party Business Champion for Defence.

A core focus of the group is identifying the commercial drivers and growth opportunities that will underpin the future of defence in the Thames Valley – one of the UK’s most strategically important sectors. By championing the strengths of the Thames Valley, the group demonstrates how the region is part of the solution: driving economic growth, developing skills and capability, and supporting the UK’s ambition to remain a global defence and security leader.

Speakers

Cath Convery, Director, Explosive Learning Solutions

With over 40 years’ experience across government, defence, and the private sector, Cath has expertise in learning & development, contract management, and public procurement. She led procurement programmes under PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023, advising Cabinet Office initiatives including CMCP and Deep Dive training.

Working with SMEs and Tier One primes, MOD Defence Academy, and multiple government departments, she is a frequent contributor to thought leadership forums, professional networks, and training panels for ADS, TECH UK, Make Defence UK, and regional defence clusters.

Jonathan Adams, Chief Strategy Officer, Activate Learning

Jonathan will be speaking about the current progress on Defence Technical Colleges and regional skills pipelines to meet the evolving needs of defence, cyber, and advanced technology sectors.

Please find agenda here.

Find out more

This is an invitation only group, meeting three times a year, and we welcome expressions of interest from organisations with direct knowledge, expertise and experience in defence and who have an operational link to the Thames Valley.

Chamber members please contact your Account Manager.

For non-member businesses, please contact the Business Representation and Policy Team.