The recently published Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets out an ambitious and far-reaching vision for the UK’s future defence capability. With its emphasis on readiness, innovation, and integrated operations across domains, it signals a shift in how defence will be structured, equipped, and supported in the decade ahead.

For suppliers to the sector, the SDR brings clarity to the Government’s priorities, underlining the need for long-term investment, greater agility, and a more collaborative relationship between MOD and industry. As a business with 30 years of experience supporting UK defence, Barum & Dewar welcomes the intent to enhance this relationship, recognising that delivering capability at pace will require more than just procurement reform, it demands a trusted, responsive and forward-thinking supply base.

The SDR makes clear that defence can no longer be viewed in isolation. The need for an “always-on” industrial base, improved supply chain resilience, and faster acquisition cycles reflects the operational realities of modern conflict. In this context, the role of companies able to combine technical capability with responsiveness becomes increasingly important. Our experience in the sector has shown that speed of response, backed by deep sector understanding, is often as critical as the product or service itself.

Equally, the review highlights the need for new approaches to ongoing challenges. From modular platforms and uncrewed systems to digital enablement and dual-use innovation, the direction of travel is clear. Supporting these developments will require industry partners who not only understand defence environments, but who can also think differently and respond with flexibility. This has long been part of our approach: to work closely with clients to solve practical challenges through considered, innovative solutions.

As the MOD develops its Defence Investment Plan and prepares to implement the SDR’s recommendations, there is a growing recognition that trusted relationships and sector-specific knowledge matter. In an environment where reliability and assurance are essential, suppliers with a proven record of delivery, combined with the agility to adapt, will be key to maintaining readiness and resilience.

Following our acquisition by Macfarlane Group, B&D is also now part of a wider packaging and logistics network, further strengthening our ability to scale, invest, and evolve in support of defence requirements.

The SDR’s focus on building a more integrated, digitally enabled and responsive defence capability presents an opportunity to build on the strengths of the UK’s industrial base. Barum & Dewar remains committed to playing our part, supporting critical missions, contributing to national resilience, and continuing to evolve in line with the sector’s changing needs.

Barum & Dewar is pleased to announce a new contract with NATO JEWCS, based at Yeovilton, for the supply of a large custom case and foam solution to support the deployment of mission-critical equipment into the field.

The requirement presented unique challenges due to the size and weight of the equipment, which exceeds standard manual handling limits. Working closely with our long-standing partners at Peli, Barum & Dewar has developed a packaging solution that combines rugged protection with mobility and practicality, in single lid cases designed specifically for use in demanding field environments.

Delivery is scheduled for summer 2025, and we are proud to continue supporting NATO JEWCS with dependable, operational-ready packaging that ensures their essential equipment arrives intact and ready for use.

Barum & Dewar is proud to confirm a repeat production order from Dynamic Load Monitoring (DLM) for the supply of additional cases and foams used to protect their shackle and tensile test kits.

This long-standing collaboration began with a requirement for a robust and professional transit solution capable of withstanding harsh working environments, while presenting DLM’s load cell products in a well-organised, high-quality format.

Partnering with trusted supplier Peli, and using our in-house foam production facility, we delivered a tailored solution that continues to perform in demanding environments such as offshore, marine, and subsea industries.

The continued repeat orders reflect DLM’s confidence in our product quality, customer service, and local support, and we are proud to continue delivering value for this highly respected client.

More on our original project with DLM can be found here: Case Study – Dynamic Load Monitoring

Barum & Dewar is delighted to confirm a new contract with valued client Smiths Detection, based in Hemel Hempstead. Under this latest agreement, we will continue to supply bespoke transit cases and protective foams for the safe and secure delivery of critical security equipment.

Smiths Detection’s systems play a vital role in protecting the public at UK airports and ports, and as such, it is imperative that equipment arrives “ready to go, straight out of the box”. Our solution ensures full protection in transit while delivering the clean, professional finish demanded by the application.

This packaging solution is one of four different products Barum & Dewar currently supplies to Smiths Detection, with deliveries being made on a regular monthly schedule to keep pace with demand. We are proud to once again be trusted to deliver solutions that support national infrastructure and public safety.

Barum & Dewar is delighted to confirm a further contract award from long-standing client Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL).

This latest project will once again see previously supplied transit containers being given a new lease of life. As SSTL continues to evolve its satellite products, Barum & Dewar has been asked to modify the original containers to support larger payloads by incorporating innovative new spacer sections, increasing overall container height while maintaining stability and performance.

In addition to the structural modifications, Barum & Dewar will also be taking the opportunity to review and update the original lifting features on the container bases. These revisions will ensure full compliance with the latest handling standards demanded across the UK space sector.

The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2025, and once again highlights Barum & Dewar’s ability to deliver practical, high-performing solutions that extend the operational life of existing assets while adapting to new technical requirements.