Maximising the potential of the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy
9.30am – 4.30pm17 May 2022
London
It set out a strategic and ambitious approach to strengthening the UK’s defence and security industrial sectors and has acted as a guiding framework for HMG and industry to work together in partnership. This event will provide an important opportunity for officials, industry representatives and academia to come together and review the progress made in implementing the wide swath of policy, process and legislative changes the DSIS set out, as well as to set out ways to accelerate and advance this work in collaboration.
At the heart of the DSIS, it promised a new approach that recognises the link between national security and prosperity, and therefore the importance of a sustainable defence and security industrial base to achieving the objectives set out in HMG’s overarching Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. The DSIS set out proposed reforms across four key areas of acquisition and procurement; productivity and resilience; technology and innovation; and international collaboration, exports and foreign investment. Alongside a high-level panel featuring senior representatives from HMG, this event will therefore feature a series of workshops that will focus on key issues in each overarching policy area.
To register your interest please use the book now button and register interest through the ADS website, by no later than 6 May 2022. Please note that places are limited for this event and all registrations of interest will be approved and will be allocated and confirmed w/c 9 May 2022. A registration of interest does not guarantee a place at the event.
A full agenda will be sent closer to the date. We will also confirm if you have not been allocated a place on this occasion.
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Francesca Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including Defence Digital, DE&S, innovation units and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including private briefings and early market engagement events. It also supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!