CNE Working Groups / Private Workshops

Day 3 - 09:30 - 11:00 - Selling to the MOD - This practical working group session will explain how the Ministry of Defence buys capability and how suppliers can engage effectively. It covers key decision makers, procurement routes and commercial requirements. Attendees will learn how to shape clear value propositions, align with naval capability priorities and work confidently with defence customers. Speakers - Vice Admiral Paul Beattie CBE, Second Sea Lord, Royal Navy / Jim Carter, Director General Commercial and Industry, UK MOD NAD Group / Office for Small Business Growth, UK Ministry of Defence

Day 3 - 09:30 - 11:00 - Under pressure; Mental wellness and human factors on operations - Extended high-tempo deployments test the limits of concentration, judgement and mental resilience. Fleets rely on crews who can endure pressure without loss of effectiveness. This session brings together human factors specialists, clinicians, operational leaders and service charities to look at how fatigue, workload, stress and isolation influence human performance and will set out practical measures for keeping personnel operationally effective and resilient. Speakers - Commodore Ben Haskins CBE, Commander Submarine Flotilla, Royal Navy / Centre of Military Health Research, Kings College London

Day 3 - 11:15 - 12:45 - Selling to primes - This working group focuses on how to approach and work with major defence primes. It examines how primes identify opportunities, how suppliers can engage, and what qualification criteria matter. Attendees will gain practical insight into partnership models and how to match technologies or products to programme needs.

Day 3 - 11:15 - 12:45 - People power; Future skills and training - This working group covers current and future training demands across naval roles. It assesses gaps in technical and digital skills and reviews modern training tools, including simulation and adaptive learning. It sets out approaches to develop competent, confident personnel who can operate advanced platforms and systems.. Speakers - Lieutenant Commander Toni Harding, FutureNEST Royal Navy Rep, Royal Navy / Fleet Operational Standards and Training, Royal Navy

Day 3 - 14:00 - 15:30 - How to get investment - This working group looks at how to attract investment for defence innovation. It covers how to position a defence proposition, meet investor expectations and demonstrate market potential. Attendees will learn how to approach venture capital firms, build credible relationships and work effectively with investors. Panelists:

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Combined Naval Event Working Groups & Private Workshops

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