FEBRUARY FACE-2-FACE: DEFENCE UPDATE

About this event

We’re excited to continue our 2026 events programme with our February Face-to-Face, providing the latest insights and updates across the UK defence sector.

Guests will hear from:

  • North West Regional Defence & Security Cluster (NWRDSC) – Prof Andrew Schofield, Chairman
    An introduction to the NWRDSC and its role in connecting universities, technology firms, government and industry to drive innovation, skills and economic growth across the region.
  • Royal Navy – Commodore Thomas Knowles, Naval Regional Commander, Royal Naval Headquarters Northern England & Isle of Man
    Scene setting and a strategic overview of the current UK defence landscape, outlining national priorities, emerging threats and capability requirements, and what these mean for industry.
  • Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) – Duncan Sime, Innovation Partner, North West Region
    An overview of engagement opportunities and funding available to support innovative ideas that enhance UK security and defence, and how organisations can work with DASA to bring new technologies to market.
  • Ministry of Defence / RFCA North West & Isle of Man – Jan Cox, Defence Relationship Manager (Merseyside & Isle of Man)
    An update on the Armed Forces Covenant and how businesses can benefit from supporting the armed forces community, including opportunities around skills, employment and employer engagement.


This event is now at full capacity.

Event Details

Screenshot 2026-01-20 at 11.18.04
February 3, 2026
08:30
2hrs
HMS Eaglet

Venue Details

HMS Eaglet, 80 Sefton St, Liverpool L3 4DZ
EVENTS
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Access to monthly Face-2-Face breakfast events
Opportunity to attend workshops, forums and meet the buyers’ events (priority access dependant on membership level and business relevance) Limited
Opportunity to attend executive dinners and drinks Limited
Opportunity to meet VIP guests, industry leaders and stakeholders Limited
Priority booking for tickets / tables at Mersey Maritime Industry Awards
Opportunity to present / host specific events at your own facilities Limited Limited
Creation of bespoke events programme to support your business focus / priorities Limited
Opportunity to attend national events and forums Limited Limited
COMMUNICATION / PR
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Opportunity to feature in social media marketing campaigns where appropriate Limited
Opportunity to promote your news, events and job vacancies via the weekly email / newsletters Limited
Receive weekly email including industry updates, news, events
Opportunity to be featured as ‘Spotlight’ Member of newsletters Limited
Access to funding, support, guidance and expertise Limited
New member shoutout
DIGITAL
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Logo and website link on Mersey Maritime website
Website link on Mersey Maritime email signature
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
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Dedicated account manager Limited
Annual membership meeting (online or in-person dependant on membership level)
Quarterly meetings and reporting Limited
BUSINESS SUPPORT
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Creation of bespoke package of business support, marketing and events tailored to your business Limited
Facilitation of membership network introductions Limited Limited
Facilitation of introduction to relevant industry, academia and government stakeholders Limited Limited
BESPOKE REQUIREMENTS
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Bespoke services and solutions Limited
Events Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner

Access to monthly Face-2-Face breakfast events

Opportunity to attend workshops, forums and meet the buyers’ events (priority access dependant on membership level and business relevance)

Limited
Limited

Opportunity to present at Face-2-Face and networking events

Limited

Opportunity to attend executive dinners and drinks

Limited

Opportunity to meet VIP guests, industry leaders and stakeholders

Limited

Opportunity to attend The Maritime Exchange Conference

Limited
Limited

Priority booking for tickets / tables at Mersey Maritime Industry Awards

Limited
Limited

Opportunity to have 1-2-1 with Mersey Maritime board members

Opportunity to host specific events at your own facilities

Creation of bespoke events programme to support your business focus / priorities

Limited

Opportunity to attend Maritime UK and other national trade bodies events and forums

Limited
Limited
Communication / PR Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Opportunity to feature in social media marketing campaigns where appropriate
Limited
Limited
Opportunity to promote your news, events and job vacancies via the Ezine
Limited
Limited
Limited
Receive regular updates, news, events and Ezine (tailored to membership level)
Opportunity to be Ezine Member of the Month
Digital Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Logo and website link on Mersey Maritime website
Website link on Mersey Maritime email signature
Relationship Management Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Dedicated account manager
Quarterly meetings and reporting
Limited
Business Support Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Creation of bespoke package of business support, marketing and events tailored to your business
Limited
Access to funding, support, guidance and expertise from Dr Matt Fulton, Chief Innovation Officer (additional resource from Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool and MTC)
Limited
Limited
Direct access to Government elected and officials – local, regional, national and international
Limited
Facilitation of B2B introductions
Limited
Discounted rates for use of conference facilities at Mersey Maritime
Access to Maritime UK and other national trade bodies through Chris Shirling-Rooke, Mersey Maritime CEO’s role as Assistant Chair of Maritime UK
Limited
Limited
Bespoke Requirements Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Bespoke services and solutions