Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support the Defence Office for Small Business Growth provides to small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to enter the defence supply chain for the first time; and how businesses in Tees Valley can access that support.

The Defence Office for Small Business Growth provides small and medium-sized enterprises with a single point of access to advice, support and defence opportunities. Through its website and contact centre, the Office helps businesses navigate procurement and security requirements, access guidance and financial support, and connect with buyers, investors, trade associations and regional defence and security clusters. It also supports trade shows and “meet the buyer” events, while working across Defence to remove unnecessary barriers and increase opportunities for SMEs throughout the supply chain.