UK SMEs Encouraged to Engage in £1.6 Billion Contract for Royal Fleet Auxiliary Supply Ships

Team Resolute, a consortium of Navantia UK, BMT, and Harland & Wolff, invited businesses, particularly SMEs, across the United Kingdom to participate in the £1.6 billion Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme. This initiative aims to deliver three Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships for the UK Ministry of Defence, presenting a significant opportunity for UK companies.

Team Resolute organised two' Meet the Buyer' events in collaboration with the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and the Aerospace Defence and Security Trade Association (ADS). These events brought together senior representatives from over 150 UK companies who gained insights into the procurement process, requirements, and timelines for constructing the three ships.

The 'Meet the Buyer' event on Thursday, 5th October, was chaired by Tim Currass, SMI’s Defence and Security Group Director and supported by the wider SMI team. The event took place in Belfast, the chosen location for integrating the three ships at the Harland & Wolff shipyard. The second "Meet the Buyer" event occurred in Bristol on 5th October.

Tom Chant, CEO of the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI), expressed SMI's strong support for Team Resolute's efforts, stating, "We are delighted to have facilitated these events in collaboration with our fellow trade organisation, ADS, for Team Resolute. The Fleet Solid Support programme is paramount to the UK maritime enterprise, and we take pride in supporting Team Resolute in its successful execution."

With over 150 companies in attendance, these events encouraged engagement within the UK maritime industry and fostered collaboration among SMEs. The programme holds significance for national security and presents opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement across the UK.