UK Defence and Security Exports (UK DSE) are here to provide specialist export advice and practical assistance to help you succeed overseas.

25 November 2020

UK Defence and Security Exports are keen to help start the economic recovery by thinking about what happens next and how we can stay one step ahead of our competitors. 

 They are currently looking for companies who provide products and services to First Responders and for Building Infrastructure to join the UK Security Offer and help us showcase your capabilities to overseas buyers; this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK’s national security and prosperity. If you would like your company to be involved in the First Responder Capability Campaign - (if you work in other sub-sectors be sure to register your details as well)

 

Role of UK DSE 

UK Defence & Security Exports promote global trade and investment for the UK defence, security and cyber sectors as part of the Department for International Trade. This includes capabilities for first responders, i.e. those who, as part of their normal roles, provide immediate assistance in a professional or voluntary capacity, until further support arrives.

UK DSE takes the lead for delivering Government support to companies in the sector, helping them exploit overseas opportunities and make sales. We do this in a number of ways: 

  • We provide specialist export advice and practical assistance to companies. We have an active dialogue with a range of companies from prime contractors through to SMEs and start-ups, that provides them with the information they need to be successful.   
  • Through a network over 3,000 staff based in over 100 countries, we build relationships with international customers to promote the best of British innovation and help you succeed. 
  • Our staff have strong engagements with foreign governments, both at Ministerial and Official level. Through our First Secretaries, Commercial and Defence Attaches, we work to understand our partners' requirements and help set the conditions for UK export wins. 
  • We work closely across departments, especially with the Ministry of Defence and Home Office to provide joined-up, the whole of government support. We also work closely with the Export Control Joint Unit, for those companies needing an export license.   

 

UK Security Offer: how will this help the sector? 

The UK already has a strong reputation for security internationally, built on a wealth of experience. In 2019, the UK exported £7.2bn worth of security products and services, placing us third in the world. From this, it is clear to see that British companies remain innovative and competitive globally. However, there is scope to become number one. 

In September 2019, DIT published a refreshed Security Export Strategy with the aim of getting more companies trading internationally and increasing the value of goods and services exported. The UK Security Offer is one way we are providing strategic leadership that contributes to this goal. To learn more about the UK’s Security Export Strategy please look on GOV.UK.