Hunter Defence has joined Singleton Council and local industry to help businesses better understand the opportunities and requirements for entering the Defence supply chain.
Hunter Defence Chair Tim Owen AM and Deputy Chair Bret Barton, who is also Defence Industry Advisor with HunterNet, joined Derrek Lush, Principal Advisor, Strategy & Transformation at PKF Australia, to lead the Defence Opportunities for Local Business workshop at Singleton TAFE.
The capacity event was the first in Singleton Council’s Industry Growth Series, bringing together a broad cross-section of local businesses interested in diversification and the opportunities emerging from Defence industry growth across the Hunter and beyond.
The workshop provided practical insights into what it takes to become a Defence supplier, including understanding security and quality requirements, developing the right capabilities and building industry relationships and networks well before specific opportunities arise.
A key message for businesses considering Defence was clear: start preparing now.
The Hunter is home to a significant and growing Defence industry ecosystem, creating opportunities for businesses with capabilities that can support Defence, primes and their supply chains.
For businesses looking to diversify, understanding the requirements of the sector and positioning early can be critical to successfully pursuing those opportunities.
The session also highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, government, councils and business networks in helping regional businesses understand Defence requirements and build the connections needed to participate.
Hunter Defence thanks Singleton Council’s Economic Development team for facilitating the workshop and for its continued focus on connecting local businesses with emerging industry opportunities.
Hunter Defence will continue working across the region to strengthen connections between Defence and industry and support Hunter businesses seeking to build their capability and participate in Australia’s Defence supply chain.