pmcimagazine.com
A SUCCESS FOR LONDON
As with any major defence show DSEI has its share of critics, but
in a world where borders and allegiances are shifting seemingly
on a daily basis, the importance of the show as a benefactor to
the UK economy should not be undervalued. The UK defence
industry represents ten per cent of UK high technology
manufacturing and is the number one exporter in Europe,
second only to the US globally. DSEI, which is based at ExCeL
London, is a crucial part of that industry. The industry employs
over 300,000 people and generates over £35 billion per year
to the UK economy. The industry also works hand-in-hand with
the UK Armed Forces from factory to frontline, for example over
6,000 industry personnel are currently working alongside our
troops in Afghanistan.
The economic benefits are not just about the defence
industry either, but directly benefit the London economy itself.
The 35,000 exhibitors, visitors and contractors attending DSEI
occupy over 100,000 room-nights at London hotels during the
week of the event, generating an estimated £23m direct benefit
to the London economy in the process, even before taking into
account all of their associated expenditure on travel, restaurants
and the like across the capital during their stay.
We live in a world today where defence and security budgets
are all under scrutiny, if not direct attack, and the DSEI show
brings together the relevant “players” in the community in one
place at one time. If we are to be protected we must support
such shows as DSEI, not protest against them. It would be a
naivety not to acknowledge that millions, if not billions change
hands at shows of this nature, but if that money is well spent
to support a safer future for all then it should be seen as an
investment, and not a draw on increasingly limited funding.
DSEI 2019 takes place on Tuesday 10 September 2019 to
Friday 13 September 2019. The PMCI Team certainly enjoyed
their time at this year’s DSEI; we are but a humble publication in
a vast marketplace and our priority as ever is on the individuals,
the guys that will have their boots in the mud on the front line,
so we hope that you’ll enjoy this gallery of images from the
2017 show.
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pmcimagazine.com