As our sectors continue to evolve, it is vital that ADS understands the unique priorities and challenges faced by our SME members and we continue to develop and enhance services and resources tailored to their needs. We actively engage with our SME members through our sector teams and membership colleagues, including a new SME Success Manager. 

We have a range of support available to members…

  • Business Development Centre – Access information on current trends, emerging technologies and regulatory changes that impact our sectors. Averaging 200 leads on a monthly basis, we empower our SME members to make informed decisions to help pursue new revenue streams and build resilience. 
  • ADS Rewards – All ADS Members can take advantage of numerous discounts across Health & Fitness, Home & Car Essentials, Fashion & Tech, Food & Drink, Entertainment and Travel/Experiences. As ADS membership is a corporate membership these benefits are accessible for all your employees.
  • Security Vetting Services – ADS can assist in sponsorship National Security Vetting (NSV) clearances through United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV), subject to member companies meeting the correct criteria. These allow you to access relevant classified Government material and contracts.
  • Secure cloud collaboration platform – ADS has agreed special rates for SMEs with Kahootz, a secure cloud collaboration platform. It will provide members with an affordable and secure way to collaborate and share Official–Sensitive documents with external partners, helping reduce barriers to entry when working with the MOD, primes and other organisations. Contact our Security team: securityvetting@adsgroup.org.uk for details and prices.
  • Events Programme – Ranging from small networking events to major international events, you can unlock new connections and learn from industry leaders and peers. From conferences to exhibitions, buyer events to information webinars, they offer a platform for the exchange of knowledge, the cultivation of partnerships and exploring new market opportunities that will fuel expansion. Based on member feedback we have launched a series of free to attend regional cross sector events throughout the UK.
  • Meeting Rooms/Office Space – Located within easy reach of Westminster and the MoD main building, our London office is accessible for members to hot desk and book meeting rooms. This is extremely useful for non-London based members.
  • ADS Publications – ADS is proud to be working with ADVANCE to produce its official industry magazine which is dedicated to reporting on our Sectors. ADVANCE is editorially independent of ADS and is dedicated to reporting on issues, developments and news from across industry. Members are invited to contribute news and press releases for free. There is also the opportunity to advertise either online or in the magazine.
  • Policy Support – Our deep expertise in our four sectors allows us to deliver detailed policy support to our members. Representation on key policy, regularly updated to keep you informed with the latest advice, information and resources available.

SME Spotlight

The SME Spotlight benefit has been designed to enable SME members one free marketing campaign via our London office screens, social media channels, member profile area and membership bulletin. This can be utilised once a year to introduce your organisation to the wider ADS membership and stakeholders.

The ADS Public Affairs team has developed a series of resources to help members, specifically SMEs, engage with Parliament and MPs. These include…

  1. Guide to hosting a Site Visit
  2. Event Invite Template
  3. Facts & Information Letter Template
  4. Meeting Request Template
  5. Quarterly Update Letter Template

For any questions on support with engaging with MPs and government please contact publicaffairs@adsgroup.org.uk

Special Interest Groups are designed to enable Members to network, seek out business development opportunities and obtain exporting advice. The groups often have interesting speakers or roundtable opportunities to engage with Government, agency officials and representatives from industry Primes. We have a few Special Interest Groups that focus on SME collaboration and insight…

  1. Advanced Air Mobility Special Interest Group
  2. Aerospace Members Committee (AMC)
  3. Aircraft Interiors Group
  4. CBRN UK Interest Group
  5. Counter-EO UK
  6. CTSF (Covert Technology Suppliers Forum)
  7. Defence SME Committee
  8. Digital, Cyber and Resilience Group
  9. Drone Platforms and Counter-Drone (DPAC UK)
  10. MRO Special Interest Group
  11. Prime & SME Community Group
  12. Space Exports Group (SEG)

  1. Supply Chain Solutions Framework: Raising the supply chain capability of the UK SMEs; boosting growth, quality and delivery performance. Improve your competitive performance, adopt digital technologies, access innovation funding and progress towards your sustainability goals. 
  2. UK Defence ESG Charter: A collaborative effort by the UK’s defence sector that aims to drive ambition and action on sustainability.
  3. Guide for the Defence and Security Sectors on Access to Financial Services in the UK: Gain the tools and knowledge you need to innovate, scale and grow.
  4. ADS Digital Toolkit – Our Digital Toolkit for SMEs brings together tailored resources, expert guidance and practical tools to help members navigate complex digital requirements and leverage the full potential of digital transformation for growth.

For further information on how we help SMEs please contact:

Adam Doyle
Head of SME Engagement