XPONENTIAL Europe in Focus

We talk to Mark Roberts of the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany e.V. (BCCG) about the XPONENTIAL Europe event being held in Dusseldorf from 24-26 March 2026.

How did the idea for a bilateral forum “Defence meets Business” come about?

Roberts: We have been watching developments in the defence sector for a considerable time. The UK plays a vital part in the defence of Europe, and the historic signing of the Trinity and Kensington Treaties provides added incentive. This has created the impulse to hold an event that inspires enhanced contact and dialogue between our two countries as a platform for dialogue with close allies. Treaties are fine but concrete actions and problem solving are better. This needs close dialogue and the right platform.

Can you tell us something about the feedback from interested parties?

Roberts: The response has been superb from so many different agencies; companies both large end small, defence and dual-purpose firms, military procurement officers and civil servants. Expert professionals from Ukraine, high-ranking representation from the EU and NATO have all recognised the spirit of our initiative and are looking for concrete results. They are the very best incentive for politicians facing such a complicated world.

Could Düsseldorf become an important trade fair location for defence, after London and Paris?

Roberts: Here we must mention that part of BCCG’s initiative was driven by the recognition that the Trade Fair in Dusseldorf and specifically XPONENTIAL Europe, the largest autonomous technology and robotics innovation fare in Europe,  were an ideal platform for our discussions. NATO is changing and our defence strategies must innovate. Düsseldorf and North Rhine Westphalia are at the heart of German technical excellence, that is why the German Ministry of Defence chose XPONENTIAL as its preferred location to run a parallel procurement conference. Once again, this is something we fully support and work alongside. This year it is larger and will grow in significance for both military and civilian benefit and progress. Added to this, North Rhine Westphalia was a British-German “Start-up”: look at how far it has come in those 80 Years!

What are you most looking forward to at the event?

Roberts: To see so many invited quests showing genuine and regenerated interest in defence competencies is immensely satisfying. We are at the beginning of a journey in an unstable world where cooperation must be driven by trust and dialogue. Equally, we need to smarten and boost our strengths and not rely on peace dividends that only lead down a path of weakness.  If we can enhance this recognition, it is a start of the journey, and BCCG likes to build bridges, innovate and inspire.

Will this symposium be a one-off event, or can you envision a follow-up?

Roberts: The intention is to run it annually alongside XPONENTIAL or with carefully selected complementary dates. It’s a platform for all our allies and there is enough to discuss and improve across our shared geography. “Defence meets Business” is an international drive, with several variations already in mind and we will consciously add our Commonwealth and American friends as we move this forward.

Mittler Report Verlag, the parent company of ESD, is a Media Partner at XPONENTIAL Europe.

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