The defence conversation in the UK has changed. It is no longer a discussion confined to Whitehall, Westminster, the armed forces or a small group of large defence contractors. It is becoming a question for society, for the economy and for businesses of every size that may not yet see themselves as part of the answer.

The UK Government’s Defence Investment Plan gives that conversation new urgency. There will be debate about the figures, the timelines and the balance of spending, whether that is on manned vessels, unmanned systems, critical infrastructure, cyber capability or resilience more broadly. Those are important questions, but they are not the only ones. The question I keep coming back to is more immediate and more practical: what contribution do we now need to make as a society, and how do we make sure businesses are ready to play their part?

For Business in Focus, that question leads very quickly to SMEs. Wales has companies with brilliant capabilities, deep technical expertise and the ability to innovate at pace. Some of those businesses may already understand where they fit within defence and security supply chains. Many more may have the skills, products or services to contribute, but may not yet see the connection clearly enough.

That is the point we have to address. Defence, security and resilience are not narrow categories. They include advanced manufacturing, engineering, digital, cyber, logistics, energy, utilities, construction, transport, communications, food, facilities management and a wide range of professional services. A business does not need to be building a vehicle, a vessel or a weapons system to have a role. A cleaning company, a catering company or a small engineering firm making a component for a complex piece of machinery may all be part of the same national effort.

We are genuinely at a pivot point for the country. The threats we face are real, and the response to them has to be more than physical. It also has to be moral, conceptual and attitudinal. There is a responsibility on all of us, as individuals, companies and organisations, to understand what role we can play in strengthening our collective resilience.

That is why I believe this moment requires action rather than observation. It is easy, particularly in difficult and uncertain circumstances, to spend too long postulating, waiting for perfect clarity or looking for permission. But sometimes the best way to start something is to start something. Businesses cannot afford to wait until every policy detail, procurement pathway or budget line feels settled before asking whether they have something to offer.

Nor can the larger players wait passively for the supply chain to organise itself around them. The primes and direct suppliers into the Ministry of Defence and other government departments have a real responsibility to open their supply chains to SMEs. That is consistent with the direction of UK Government policy, but it is also commercially and operationally sensible. Smaller businesses often bring the innovation, agility and specialist capability that a more resilient defence and security ecosystem will require.

Budget holders also need to recognise the moment we are in. We have mobilised our flagship event, Defence Security Resilience Cymru, at pace, from inception in January to delivery in September, because the need is clear. That has meant moving inside existing budget cycles for many organisations, and I understand that creates practical challenges. But if ever there was a moment to make an exceptional decision within a budget, it is surely when that decision helps an organisation contribute to the defence, security and resilience of the country.

This is not only a defence industry issue. Local authorities, police forces, fire and rescue services, telecoms providers, energy networks, infrastructure organisations, SMEs, primes and government departments are all jigsaw pieces in the same picture. They are linked by the same threat environment, and that should be enough to bring people together and initiate action.

Defence Security Resilience Cymru in September will connect buyers, suppliers and innovators across defence, security and resilience, with opportunities for businesses to meet buyers, pitch for investment, build networks and understand where they fit. But the wider message is not about one event. It is about readiness.

Ultimately, this comes down to people and businesses on the ground deciding whether they see themselves as part of the solution. My view is that many more Welsh SMEs have a role than perhaps realise it today. The task now is to help them recognise that role, prepare for it and have the confidence to get on with it.

Phil talks about this and more on the Defence Security Resilience Cymru podcast. Listen Here:

Find out more about Defence Security Resilience Cymru, being held at ICC Wales in Newport on September 3 and 4 2026, here: https://www.dsr.cymru/