HDC2024 - SME Industry Panel
The final session of HDC2024 brought together a powerhouse panel of industry leaders who shared their journeys, challenges, risks and triumphs in the defence sector. Moderated by Bret Barton from Hunter Defence, this SME Industry Panel shed light on what it takes to thrive in this competitive landscape.
Key insights from the panel:
Link Bale, Managing Director of Bale Defence:
"The bigger the problem, the more we want to take a chance on it." Link highlighted the importance of tackling complex challenges head-on. Bale Defence’s focus on rapid design and development has positioned them as a leader in military solutions, especially in tactical vehicles and counter-UAS systems. He emphasised the need for patience in navigating the slow-moving defence acquisition processes.
Joe Smith, GM Defence at Birdon Group:
"Export is the key to our growth." Joe shared Birdon’s journey from a small Port Macquarie business to a global player in defence, particularly with their bridge erection boats. He emphasised the importance of being fully committed when expanding into international markets, especially the US, and praised the support from Export Finance Australia, which was pivotal in their success.
Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive of Nupress Group:
"Precision and patience are essential." Craig discussed NuPress’s evolution into a global supplier of precision components. He stressed the importance of diversifying revenue streams and not solely relying on defence contracts. Craig also pointed out that building strong partnerships and understanding your business's cost, capability, and capacity are crucial for sustainable growth.
Panel Discussion Highlights:
Export and International Expansion: All panelists agreed on the significance of export markets, particularly the US, in driving growth. They shared their positive experiences with Team Defence Australia and the importance of attending trade shows to build relationships and secure opportunities.
Risk Management and Strategic Decision-Making: The panelists advised SMEs to thoroughly evaluate opportunities before diving in, emphasising the need to balance risk with potential rewards.
Adopting New Technologies: The panelists are all exploring AI and automation to enhance their operations, showing a commitment to staying ahead in the industry.
The session closed with a strong message: Success in the defence sector is achievable with the right strategies, support, and willingness to take calculated risks. These local SMEs are proving that you can compete on a global scale and bring that expertise back to benefit Australia.
Photo Credit: 3L Photography
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