In this episode, Grant McHerron and Ewen Levick talk with Alan Rankins and Bret Barton from Goal Group, Australia's largest collaboration of SME organisations.

The discussion starts with Alan & Bret talking about their Defence and industry careers and how their experiences lead to the formation of Goal Group, a veteran owned company with the view of "many minds, one goal." This leads to a review of Goal Group's Defence Ready seminars which address the need for SMEs to learn how to deal with the Australian Defence Force through practical training, not just theory.

After reviewing the 13 seminar topics being offered by the programme and the benefits to be obtained from each one, the discussion addresses the main challenges, opportunities and support programmes for an SME wanting to export to other defence markets. Alan and Bret also discuss the changes they've seen over the past five to ten years with industry engagement and how the Defence global supply chain operates.

We wrap up the episode with observations on working with the Defence primes along with the importance of using support and grant programs to bridge the funding gaps in often slow Defence processes. The final points are on the importance of differentiating your SME from others, especially for the International market.

You can find more about the Defence Ready seminars at: www.hunterdefence.org.au/defenceready

You can contact the Goal Group via 02 4967 4500 or at: www.goalgroup.com.au

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The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title.

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

Hosted by Grant McHerron & Ewen Levick

Producer - Steve Visscher

©️ Australian Defence Magazine - 2021