The Three Counties Defence & Security Expo (3CDSE) returned on 2–3 November for its fifth year, welcoming over 1,500 delegates and 130 exhibitors from across the defence and security industries.  

Held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, the event championed small businesses from across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and surrounding regions. Innovations in communications, cyber, protective equipment, autonomy and many other areas were on show. From its origin as a networking forum, 3CDSE has evolved to become the UK’s most diverse and forward-thinking security expo.  

Small- to medium-sized enterprises were given the opportunity to pitch their innovations during a number of free five-minute presentations as part of an Innovation Showcase. This was a new feature of the event aimed at giving young and small companies a platform amongst more established organisations.  

Support from the United States Department of Defense was also a key feature of 3CDSE 2022, with a delegation of representatives from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). Heading up the delegation was Ms Charnetta Samms, Chief Technology Officer, who addressed visitors at the expo.  

Richard Morgan, 3CDSE President, said, “This year’s show once again demonstrated the strong networking opportunities that 3CDSE offers. The ability for defence and security companies to meet face to face with representatives from the UK MOD, UK Strategic Command and US DEVCOM shows just how far this event has progressed since it began five years ago.”  

General James Roddis, Director Strategy United Kingdom Strategic Command, said “This show is important for StratCom because it demonstrates to us the power of the human dynamic, meet with our closest industry partners and [see] some of the really amazing and novel technological solutions that people are now offering to support national security and defence.”