Date:
2 September 2026
Time:
8:30AM-10:30AM
Location:
Gowling LLP, Two Snowhill, Birmingham, B4 6WR
Defence and National Security doesn’t function without private capital. How the private sector is mobilising to deploy capital and how to access it.
Panellists:
Matt Croker (Heligan Group), Chris Mears (Growth Lending), Barry Lewis (NatWest) and Liz Williams (Gowling).
The session will explore the growing role of private finance and investment in the Defence and National Security sector, addressing the challenges businesses face in accessing growth capital and what investors and lenders are looking for. It will provide practical insight into accessing finance, becoming investment-ready and navigating emerging funding opportunities, while highlighting how the WM RDSC can help connect businesses with willing lenders and investors. The event forms the first of three regional sessions designed to encourage informed discussion and practical solutions around access to finance for defence and security businesses.
Registration
Please note that places are limited to 64 delegates. Registrations will be monitored closely and, once capacity has been reached, registrations will close and a reserve list will be established. Priority will be given to defence and security SMEs and organisations within the wider supply chain.
If you would like to attend, I encourage you to register as soon as possible. Please register via the link below:
https://wmgrowth.zohobackstage.com/TheCapitalBehindDefence#/