Three Counties Defence & Security Expo attracts more delegates than ever
The Three Counties Defence & Security Expo (3CDSE) returned to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern this week offering opportunities for startups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their technology and services.
More than 1,500 delegates and 100 exhibiting companies meet potential buyers and collaborators from both sides of the Atlantic, with a strong emphasis on startups and SMEs.
Organisers say that around 90 per cent of UK SMEs operating in the defence and security sector are located within the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, alongside defence primes, and 3CDSE provides a valuable networking platform.
The event has grown substantially over the last seven years from its origin as a networking forum and has evolved to become a diverse security expo.
3CDSE President, Richard Morgan said, “We are delighted to bring together again our audiences of MOD Defence Equipment & Support and UK Strategic Command, law enforcement agencies and emergency services with the industry that serve them. This year we have the added bonus of significant participation by US DEVCOM, and we honoured to welcome their CTO Charneta Samms as our Day 2 keynote speaker. Feedback from previous years’ events has highlighted how important the event is as at enabling business to be conducted face-to-face and for enabling future capability requirements to be discussed in confidence. We are regularly advised of transactions that are carried out as a result of direct discussions held at the show."
This year’s event is being supported by a delegation of six representatives from U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM-ATL), including chief technology officer Ms Charnetta Samms. Ms Samms will be a keynote speaker at the 3CDSE Conference on the morning of Thursday 3 November and holding one-to-one briefings with exhibitors later in the day.
Strategic Command Director Strategy Major General James Roddis said: “3CDSE represents an excellent opportunity for Strategic Command to foster our ties with allies, partners and industry. We know how important Multi Domain Integration, and our role in driving it is for an effective modern military and this event is a brilliant opportunity to share our expertise and insight with key decision makers in the field.”