Businesses from Barrow met with representatives from the defence industry to discuss future investment in the area.

The 'Meet the Buyers' event on Monday was organised by BAE Systems and involved 50 SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises).

Those who attended heard from representatives from Made UK Defence, ADS Group and BAE Systems on topics such as key requirements for working in the defence market, where to find opportunities, and plans for the future.The Mail: The exercise was run like a 'speed dating' eventThe exercise was run like a 'speed dating' event (Image: Joe Sanders)Lesley Robinson, head of business support with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “Thanks to funding through Brilliant Barrow Town Deal we’re delivering a project specific to the area on behalf of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and one strand of delivery focuses on supply chain.

"I was delighted when after an initial conversation BAE Systems agreed to run a meet the buyer event in partnership with the Chamber and Monday’s event was a result of planning and hard work."

Following the formal presentations, those in attendance got the chance to speak directly with 20 buyers from across the BAE Systems Business and their tier 1 suppliers.

Tom O'Byrne, head of supply chain excellence at BAE Systems, explained how the session would be vital in building the area's links to the industry.

"The event provided a catalyst for local SMEs to develop key connections with the defence industry, BAE Systems and other local businesses with the aim that these connections lead to, or further develop business opportunities in the UK defence ecosystem," he said.

"The presentations were very informative and it was a great opportunity to catch up with similar professionals from various SMEs from around the region."The Mail: The event was branded as a huge success for building new connections with the larger industryThe event was branded as a huge success for building new connections with the larger industry (Image: Joe Sanders)

Feedback following the event has reportedly been positive so far from the SMEs involved.

The Chamber’s Business Bites networking events will also be coming to Barrow, taking place at the Holiday Inn Express on Market Street from 5.30pm to 7pm on October 19.

There’s also support for businesses looking to scale up and grow in the Barrow area, this gives 12hrs of free support including a business diagnostic, free training and one to one adviser support. Anyone interested please email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk