One year on from the launch of our Access to Finance Guidance for the defence and security sectors, the document remains just as relevant in the geo-political environment and investment landscape of today.
Business conditions remain challenging, and so it is vital that we continue to build a collaborative and supporting environment with our peers and colleagues in UK Finance and the broader finance and investment community.
Ongoing conflicts have shone a spotlight on the necessity and value of maintaining a resilient and thriving defence and security industrial base in the UK. In turn, this requires UK-based financial products and services to enable businesses to operate, access cash, make investments, innovate, and grow.
What next for the guide?
The guidance published last year was step one in supporting industry. Throughout the last twelve months, we have ramped up our campaign to evidence the challenges that we know exist for industry and are grateful to our members for trusting us to explain and share their experience with the media, stakeholders, civil servants and Ministers all in the name of improving access to finance.
The regulatory landscape of both industries remains complex and one we continue to navigate, there will be more to come from ADS to ensure businesses have the tools and knowledge they need to innovate, scale and grow.
Defence and ESG
Fundamentally the issues with accessing finance for all companies – regardless of sector – must be addressed if we are to realise our potential.
There is a wider perception among some institutions that defence is not compatible with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. But investing in defence is not incompatible with ESG. You cannot have a sustainable and ethical society without defence.
Alongside these reflections, ADS members remain committed to improving the ESG footprint of our industry alongside our growth ambitions. The evolving nature and increased importance of ESG interlinked to the finance and investment industry highlights the importance of the UK Defence ESG Charter and the collective efforts made by our members.
Read our joint guidance: here:
