DPRTE 2014 will be held at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on 8 October 2014 and the event has again attracted high-profile partners. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), UKTI Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO), ADS, Tech UK and Cranfield University will be event partners and contribute to the opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking that the event promises to offer.

A partner at DPRTE 2013, Dstl will be back for more in 2014. Dstl maximises the impact of science and technology on UK defence and security – across government. Dstl works with the best people with the best ideas around the world to develop battle-winning technologies, based on deep and wide-ranging research, supporting UK military operations now and in the future. It also works in niche areas which are sensitive, operationally critical or international in nature and must therefore be undertaken within government.

Dstl maximises the impact of science and technology for UK defence and security – giving the right science and technology advice at the right time. As it did at DPRTE 2013, Dstl will be heavily involved in the Research and Technology element of DPRTE 2014.

Also returning as a partner in 2014 is the DE&S to support opportunities in procurement and the defence supply chain. The organisation has a £14 billion annual budget to buy and support all the equipment and services that the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force need to operate effectively. It works closely with industry, including through partnering agreements and private finance initiatives. DE&S is responsible for the procurement and support of ships, submarines, aircraft, vehicles, weapons, information systems, satellite communications and supporting services as well as general requirements including food, clothing, medical supplies and temporary accommodation.

Partnering on the exports side, UKTI DSO aims to help UK companies to export, through providing the essential government-to-government dimension required for the UK defence and security industry to build and maintain relationships with overseas customers. UKTI DSO provides support to industry to ensure products and services are promoted in an effective manner, meet the customer’s requirements and are supported by industry throughout the life of the equipment.

DPRTE 2014 aims to provide exhibitors and visitors with specialist export advice and practical assistance, enabled through UKTI DSO’s close working relationship with industry, the Ministry of Defence, Home Office and other government departments and agencies.

Also partnering DPRTE 2014 is ADS, the premier trade organisation advancing the UK aerospace, defence, security and space industries. ADS has offices in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France and India with new offices planned in China and the Middle East. Together with its regional partners, ADS represents over 2,600 companies. Technology trade association techUK is also a partner. It represents more than 850 companies that are defining today the world that we will live in tomorrow. Collectively these companies employ more than 500,000 people, about half of all tech sector jobs in the UK. The majority of its members are small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and techUK is committed to helping its members and the sector grow.

Partnering DPRTE for the first time is Cranfield University. Cranfield is at the forefront of defence and security and its partnership with the MOD offers a unique gateway for teaching, research and consultancy. It utilises a unique set of capabilities, expertise and facilities to deliver practical solutions that make a real difference to the lives of military personnel and civilians across the world.

A strong group of partners are in place, signalling an event that will be rich in expertise and opportunity. As the weeks pass more details will emerge, revealing the exciting prospects and details of the event.