Argon Electronics was visited by a UK government minister at the world-leading Defence and Security Event International 2013. Philip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, met with Steven Pike, managing director of Argon Electronics, at the DSEI as a show of support for UK SMEs, which he believes should get a bigger slice of the UK defence spending pie.
Mr Dunne’s visit underlined the UK’s Government commitment to SMEs who work in the defence and security sector. Their participation at DSEI demonstrated Argon’s status as a global provider of CBRN response simulators that enhance the quality and efficiency of CBRN response training.
Argon’s record of success with UK MoD supports Mr Dunne’s vision that more SMEs should be encouraged into the supply chain. SMEs are a vital source of innovation and flexibility in meeting defence requirements, as well as a crucial part of the UK economy. The MoD has taken a number of steps to open up opportunities to SMEs, which includes establishing an SME Forum which is chaired by Mr Dunne.
In addition to its success as a manufacturer and supplier to the MoD, Argon has firmly established itself as a supplier to government, defence forces and first responders worldwide. At DSEI, the world’s leading defence and security event, which took place at London’s ExCel Centre from 10-13 September, Argon received much interest from government representatives worldwide, plus numerous senior military figures.
Argon showcased a range of CBRN response simulators at DSEI, including its flagship PlumeSIM® software, which enables a single instructor to configure simulated chemical and radiological releases across a wide area, and then to monitor, manage, and evaluate multiple trainees in real time from a central location.