Storm Benjamin did not deter the fantastic cluster network from gathering

Storm Benjamin did not deter the fantastic cluster network from gathering for October's event.

In the beautiful setting of University of Exeter, Reed Hall, Security was the focus for the South West Regional Defence & Security Cluster.

Here's the Copper Turtle takeaways:

Update from the Chair, Neil Skelland, included the regional impact being recorded by JEDHub. Check out the website to read the fourth iteration of the Annual Economic Report 2025, which builds on JEDHub's ongoing commitment to measuring and demonstrating the economic contribution of the UK defence sector.

Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Ralph, Head of South West Police Collaboration - the current threat level here in the UK, the 7 national treats, and their focus on CTU and Organised Crime.

Colin Dart - how the wonderful work of SETsquared (across a network across 6 Universities) helps businesses to develop and grow.

Jason Crawford - the first member spotlight to showcase SurgeCell and his daughter's company, Drone Match.

Ellie Hurst ASyI - from Advent IM means I now understand Secure By Design much better, and why getting it right really matters!

Rich Clough - great to see your protective monitor product, designed and manufactured by Red Soul Design.

Pete Goodliff from Thales, how they use AI in defencing critical and national infrastructure and the trustworthy approaches they are using to avoid the perils.

The University of Exeter Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology Team - mind blowing how their skills are used to support both police, industry around natural and planned disasters, human remains recovery and so much more, across the globe.

Wonderful as ever to see lots of familiar faces from my network, and great to meet you Jonny Gurr. Chris Wardman - we missed you, but divide and conquer was a must!

Strangest question today - have you every tried South African sausage! #Random