John Russell, Chief Executive of the SSRO
Jo Watts, Chief Regulatory Officer SSRO
The latest DCI-hosted webinar welcomed John Russell, Chief Executive of the SSRO, and Jo Watts, Chief Regulatory Officer, from the Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO), offering suppliers an invaluable look into how the defence contracting landscape is evolving. This session delivered essential insights to help suppliers thrive in a fast-moving, high-value market.
🎥 Didn’t catch the webinar live? [Watch it now] or [Book a DCI demo] to explore how our tools help you uncover more opportunities in defence.
Understanding the SSRO’s Role in UK Defence Procurement
The SSRO plays a pivotal role in ensuring fairness and value in non-competitive defence contracts—covering around £119 billion in spending since the beginning of the regulatory framework[1]. Acting as an independent regulator, it balances two key priorities:
Ensuring value for money for the MOD, and fair and reasonable prices for contractors.
For suppliers, especially those engaged in single source contracts, the SSRO’s regulatory framework helps promote transparency; and can contribute to resolving disputes when called upon:
A Growing Focus on SMEs and New Entrants
One of the strongest messages from the webinar was the SSRO’s commitment to supporting SMEs and mid-tier suppliers. As defence spending grows – with a target of 2.6% of GDP by April 2027 – new entrants are vital to delivering innovation and capacity.
What support is available?
- Dedicated SSRO Support help desk (helpdesk@ssro.gov.uk)
- Comprehensive onboarding and training for new contractors
- Confidential guidance on regulatory interpretation—even during negotiations
Events like DPRTE are central to this engagement strategy, giving SMEs direct access to the SSRO’s expertise and making the regime less daunting.
Data, Decision-Making, and Driving Productivity
By collecting contract and supplier data, the SSRO empowers the MOD to make smarter, faster decisions.
The organisation also continues to evolve:
- Updated guidance materials based on supplier feedback
- New advisory services to help contracting parties resolve disagreements
- Inputting to the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy
For suppliers, this means a more responsive regulatory framework—one that listens, adapts, and encourages early engagement to avoid delays and confusion.
What Does It Mean for DCI Users?
This webinar underlines why understanding SSRO processes is crucial for any supplier looking to grow in the UK defence sector. Through tools like DCI, suppliers can:
✅ Identify opportunities aligned with MOD priorities
✅ Access insights into key regulatory updates
✅ Get ahead of procurement trends by acting early
Ready to Take the Next Step?
📺 Watch the full webinar to hear directly from the SSRO team
🚀 Book a personalised DCI demo to discover how we help suppliers thrive in regulated defence procurement
[1] Since the start of the regime, between 1 April 2015 and 31 December 2024: The total estimated contract price was £118.5 billion. Source: Q3 2024-25 Quarterly statistical bulletin.
