Within our 1700+ member companies, there is a growing cluster of specialist service providers covering a wide range of professional domains. They are deeply embedded in our sectors and offer the knowledge and expertise to make a difference.

For companies limited in their knowledge of transformation, funding or essential resources, accessing this specialised support can be a route to an exciting period of accelerated growth.

Introducing the Business Services Network, a new way to connect members with this specialist talent. The Business Services Network gives members fast, reliable access to peers who already understand the challenges of working in aerospace, defence, security and space.

By fostering this collaboration, we can help strengthen the UK supply chain, and support the building of resilient, future-ready businesses.

Group Financial Director, Jason Sinclair says,

We’re really excited to launch the Business Services Network. It gives our members easy access to trusted experts who understand our industries and can step in to help when extra support is needed. This network will make it simpler for businesses to grow, solve problems, and find the right partners. It’s a big step forward for our whole ADS community.

The power of specialist support

When we connect the specialist talent across our membership, we create a shared strength – raising performance, accelerating innovation and advancing our industries together.

For individual businesses, they benefit from significant savings and performance gains when the right expertise is utilised at the right time.

From finance to digital transformation and logistics to marketing, members can now source high-value expertise from professionals who know the intricacies of our highly technical and regulated sectors and can optimise opportunities.

Here’s what the new network offers:

  • Faster access to expertise — Find trusted suppliers who already understand aerospace, defence, security and space.
  • Stronger collaboration — Connect with fellow members and build partnerships that help both sides grow.
  • Support when you need it — Bring in extra help quickly, without long searches or uncertain quality.

Find out more about the Business Services Network here.

How the network supports services members

If your organisation offers business services, the network gives you greater visibility across the ADS community.

Here’s how we can help you grow:

  • Business growth – connect you with relevant businesses through in-person events, industry forums and webinars.
  • Amplify your expertise – showcase your success through blogs, subject matter spotlights and industry content to build credibility and recognition.
  • Promote your services – using the Business Services Network to actively engage with members seeking specialist support.

The network offers a direct route to potential clients who value your sector experience.

Interested? Find out more here.

SME Engage – Winning Business

In November 2025, we launched the Business Services Network at an SME Engage conference hosted at Gallagher in London.

The emphasis for the conference was on helping members win more business.

In an open, supportive forum, our business services members provided expertise on:

  • Avoiding cyber risk – practical steps to safeguard your business, data and reputation – presented by Liam Hulley (Cyber Risk Consultant, Gallagher).
  • Using R&D Tax rules to improve cash flow – co-hosted by Chris Barker (Innovation Funding Specialist, ABGi) and Andy Wales (Account Director, ABGi).
  • Bid writing for MOD contracts – navigating public procurement with confidence – Panel session hosted by Charlotte Davies (Head of Defence Commercial, ADS) with Pete Coyle (Bid Masters) and Cath Convery (Owner/Director, Explosive Learning Solutions).
  • Creating working capital – freeing up finance to fund your next stage of growth – Panel session hosted by Aimie Stone (Chief Economist, ADS) with Alex Scott (Direcor of Commercial Affairs, SteelRock Capital) and Mark Ling (Head of Trade & Supplier Finance, Santander).
  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) for winning work – using sustainability and governance to build value and create a competitive edge – Hosted by Ian Tarplee (Associate Director – Carbon Advisory, BDO) with Jordan Croskery (ESG Executive, ADS), Kane Benham (Owner, Ops Consul) and Dr Samantha Healy (Group Director ESG, QinetiQ).

David Hackett, Technical Policy Manager from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) presented findings on their latest report, supported by ADS.

The ‘ESG in Defence and Aerospace‘ report identified the need for:

  • Standardised frameworks and clear terminology.
  • Strong data infrastructure and real-time insights.
  • Robust audit trails and evolving sustainability risk assessments.
  • Bite-sized training and cultural integration.

You can view the report here.

The Engage event finished with networking for further discussion and engagement.

We will be running further events over 2026. View our full events schedule here.