Thousands of UK companies could play a greater role in supporting the nation’s critical supply chains, but procurement complexity and poor visibility of opportunities are preventing many from doing so, according to a new industry report.
The findings, published in the UK Supply Report 2026 by the
Critical Supply Group (CSG), reveal significant untapped capacity among businesses already supplying sectors considered vital to national resilience, including defence, healthcare, energy, transport and critical infrastructure.
Based on responses from almost 200 businesses of varying sizes, the survey found that 74% of companies supplying one or more critical sectors believe they could provide more support. Defence, civil nuclear and space were identified as the sectors where suppliers see the greatest potential for expanded involvement.
The report comes against a backdrop of heightened concern over supply chain resilience, driven by continuing geopolitical instability, including the war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and wider shifts in global trade and security relationships. As governments and businesses seek to reduce vulnerabilities, attention is increasingly turning towards strengthening domestic industrial capability while maintaining access to trusted international partners.
However, the survey suggests that many capable UK suppliers face significant obstacles when attempting to increase their participation in critical supply chains. More than two-thirds of respondents (67%) cited procurement and tendering complexity as the biggest barrier, while 64% pointed to limited visibility of opportunities. A further 39% highlighted a lack of engagement from buyers.
The findings also underline the importance of infrastructure resilience to manufacturing and supply chain performance. Energy was identified as the most critical operational dependency for UK businesses, ranking ahead of transport and communications. The report notes that reliable and affordable energy supplies remain essential to maintaining the competitiveness, security and resilience of UK industry.
While the UK remains heavily integrated into global supply networks, respondents rated Europe as the nation’s most trusted international supply partner, with 62% identifying it as offering the most secure and reliable source of supply. The United States ranked second at 27%, while China was selected by 18% of respondents.
The report also highlights growing concerns around access to critical inputs. Although most businesses reported stable conditions, companies experiencing change were almost four times more likely to report deteriorating access than improvements.
George Middleton, is co-chair of the Critical Supply Group and director of MAP UK & International.
He said: “Supply chains are fundamental to national resilience, security and growth. This report highlights significant capability and willingness within the UK supply base, with many businesses that could play a greater role in supporting the nation's critical sectors.
“The UK is a trading nation and we will continue to depend on and support trusted international partners, but we also need strong domestic capability.”
Mr Middleton added that the Critical Supply Group brings together industry, government and academic stakeholders to improve information sharing, collaboration and decision-making in areas affecting critical supply chains.
The report has been welcomed by government and industry organisations. Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, said: “At a time of global uncertainty, secure supply chains are vital to our continued prosperity and growth.
“UK companies need to be at the forefront of our critical supply chains, and with the Supply Chain Centre, we now have an extra string to our bow to ensure our world-leading global trade status is protected.”
The report also sets out recommendations aimed at government, infrastructure operators, major buyers and SMEs. These include simplifying procurement processes, improving supplier visibility, making greater use of existing UK industrial capability and strengthening resilience planning.
John Pearce, chief executive of Made in Britain, said the survey reinforces the value of domestic manufacturing capability.
He said: “British manufacturing has never lacked capability. The question isn’t whether we can make it here, but whether we're making the most of what British industry can offer.”
The findings have been shared with government departments and industry bodies as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen resilience across the UK’s most strategically important supply chains.