ICC Wales Hosts Inaugural Welsh Defence Summit

ICC Wales — World-class 5,000 delegate meeting, convention and event centre • iccwales.com

International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) once again demonstrated its ability to facilitate trade opportunities for Welsh companies when it hosted the inaugural Defence Security Resilience Cymru (DSRC) Summit in September.

The event welcomed more than 60 exhibitors and 1,000 delegates, bringing together large, small and medium-sized businesses and organizations to develop partnerships and help strengthen the UK’s defence sector.

Wesley Clover International Chairman Terry Matthews gave a welcome address at the gala awards dinner, underscoring the importance of technology to the defence and security sectors.

The summit agenda also heard from a number of keynote speakers including former BBC Security Correspondent Gordon Cerrera, Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock, and Scott Milne, Director at General Dynamics Land Systems.

Attendees had the chance to explore ‘Meet the Buyer’ and ‘Meet the Investor’ sessions, giving a platform for innovators to showcase their company’s unique selling points and make significant business deals.

Speaking on the success of the event, DSRC Founder Phil Jones said: “I’m really delighted with how the first DSRC event went. We were able to connect more than a thousand delegates over the two days to meet with vital investors and buyers, and engage in meaningful conversation.

“DSRC is the first of its kind in Wales and our aim was to help small businesses and SMEs get a foot through the door into the defence, security and resilience sectors, which can be difficult to break into.

“We certainly achieved that, and it was great to see so many people in the room. We’re already thinking of next year’s event and how we’ll expertly address real, current affairs.”

ICC Wales Managing Director Craig Bingham said: “We had some fantastic feedback from organizers and delegates and this event further reinforces the reputation of ICC Wales for hosting high-profile conventions that attract influential audiences, drive economic impact and showcase Wales on a national and international stage.

“Our world-class facilities inspire meaningful connections and this summit provided a brilliant platform to connect buyers, suppliers and innovators and facilitate business and investment opportunities.”