UK Defence Primes Supplier Day & Reception

As an important stakeholder in the Swedish defence and security ecosystem, Business Sweden (the Swedish Trade and Invest Council) are delighted to invite you to join the UK Defence Primes Supplier Day with BAE Systems, Babcock International Group and Saab UK on Thursday 1st October 2026. The Supplier Day takes place at the in central London and will be followed by an evening Swedish-British Defence Reception (separate registration required - a formal invitation to follow from the Swedish Embassy in London).

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE UK DEFENCE PRIMES SUPPLIER DAY?

The UK Defence Primes Supplier Day is a targeted briefing and matchmaking initiative designed to connect Swedish companies directly with BAE Systems, Babcock International Group and Saab UK. Developed in close dialogue with these Primes, the programme is a direct response to a concrete interest in engaging Swedish suppliers and strengthening links with innovative Swedish companies in defence and security. Through targeted briefings, panel discussions and 1:1 pitch sessions, participating companies will gain access to live commercial and strategic collaboration opportunities, build long-term relationships with key decision-makers, and to position themselves as trusted partners within the UK defence ecosystem, while supporting the shared ambition of deeper Sweden–UK defence cooperation - building on the 2023 Strategic Partnership between Sweden and the UK.

This initiative builds on Business Sweden's recent business promotion activities including last year's SE-UK Defence Industry Matchmaking Event  in conjunction with DSEI, the inaugural SE | UK Defence & Security Industry Day (September 2024) and the Defence track during the Royal Swedish visit to the UK (November 2023).

WHAT TO EXPECT?

The UK Defence Primes Supplier Day is arranged with a clear objective of facilitating concrete 1:1 business dialogues and encouraging collaboration between Swedish defence companies with the participating UK defence Primes: BAE Systems and Babcock International Group as well as Saab UK. Following a successful pre-selection process undertaken by the Primes and Business Sweden, the selected Swedish company representatives can expect: 

• Strategic briefings in panel format with BAE Systems, Babcock International and Saab UK on e.g. procurement priorities, capability gaps, future programmes, and supplier / partner expectations 
• Q&A opportunities with representatives from BAE Systems, Babcock International and Saab UK
• Facilitated 1:1 pitch sessions between Swedish companies and relevant stakeholders from each of the Primes
• Briefing with Q&A on the UK Defence Investment Plan 
• Informal networking opportunities during dedicated parts of the programme, including evening reception (separate invitation to be sent by the Embassy of Sweden)

All activities aim to drive tangible business growth and enhanced collaboration opportunities between relevant British and Swedish stakeholders.

* Please note that the schedule is subject to possible change.

EXAMPLE SET UP

H.E. Mr Ambassador Stefan Gullgren addressing the 2024 SE-UK Defence & Security Industry Day. 

Matchmaking session at the 2024 SE-UK Defence & Security Industry Day.  

PARTICIPATION & THE FINE PRINT

Please note that participation at the Supplier Day is limited and subject to a pre-selection process. 

In order for this event to take place, Business Sweden are required to request a fee from the selected participants representing Swedish companies. 

The participant fee covers various aspects such as the Supplier Day pre-selection process, planning and event management, promotional activities and technical support to ensure a successful and engaging experience for all participants (including refreshments and working lunch on the day). 

Participation includes one (1) participant per organisation, with options to add a strictly limited number of company representatives for an additional fee detailed in the Registration Agreement. The fee includes participation in the full conference programme including meal(s) outlined in the event schedule. Please note that the fee does not include flights, accommodation, or transfers/transportation outside the official event programme. 

All participants are responsible for booking their own flights and accommodation.

Please note that places at the event are limited and subject to the pre-selection process. 

Registration is binding after written confirmation from Business Sweden. A separate agreement will be provided by Business Sweden, including terms and conditions for participation. For further information, please contact Susanna.Silversol@business-sweden.se  

ETA REQUIREMENT FOR EU NATIONALS TRAVELLING TO THE UK
Please note that there is now a requirement for EU Nationals to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when travelling to the UK. The application must be submitted via ETA app or via an online form (here). ETA applications can take up to 3 working days to be processed, therefore individuals and businesses will need to account for this additional step.

LOCATION & ID REQUIREMENT 

For security purposes, precise location(s) of the Supplier Day and reception will be confirmed separately to confirmed participants. In addition, Business Sweden will require all participants to present a valid form of ID (passport, national ID or driving licence) at registration in order to access the event venue. 

CONTACTS AT BUSINESS SWEDEN

Susanna Silversol

Project Manager

Lead, Government Affairs & Defence sector

Susanna.Silversol@business-sweden.se

Rashna Buxey

Senior Consultant

Defence sector team

Rashna.Buxey@business-sweden.se

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