About us
We help UK defence, cyber and physical security, and civil maritime companies to export, and help overseas companies invest in the UK in these sectors.
What we do
We help UK defence, physical and cyber security, and civil maritime companies to export products, technology and services. We also help unlock high-value and strategic inward investments in these industries across the whole of the UK.
We provide specialist export advice and practical assistance. We work closely with industry and government departments including the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as well as government agencies UK Export Finance and Export Control Joint Unit.
Who we are
UKDSE is part of the Department for Business and Trade.
We are a global team, with UK-based colleagues supported by an extended network of experienced staff in British Embassies and High Commissions overseas. This allows us to offer far-reaching, tailored export support to our many stakeholders.
The UKDSE team is made up of civil servants, regional trade advisers, and defence and security specialists (including serving and former military) who provide first-hand advice on defence and security capabilities.
How we support business
Our help includes:
- sharing specialist export advice and intelligence with UK industry across land, maritime (defence and civil), aerospace, cyber and security
- supporting and showcasing UK industry at domestic and overseas events, including major UK exhibitions
- coordinating HM Government support for export and investment opportunities
- facilitating government-to-government partnerships
- building strong relationships with overseas governments and other stakeholders to maintain or raise awareness of UK industry capabilities in established and developing markets
How to access our services
There are several ways to access the support we offer.
You can talk to:
- our country desks for advice about a specific country or region
- our security, cyber or civil maritime sector specialists for sector-specific queries
- our military advisers in London and Larkhill, for tailored advice from serving and former military
- our events team, for event-related advice
- our SME team, for any advice you may need as a small or medium-sized enterprise
- your regional International Trade Adviser (ITA), who can then link you up with us
If you are based in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can talk to your local government team, who can advise you which UKDSE team can help.
All contact details are available in our contacts directory.