A defence conference will be held next month to see how industry will respond to the government's recently published Defence Industrial Strategy.

Northern Defence Industries Ltd represents the interests of 200 regional small and medium sized businesses in the defence and aerospace industries.

The organisation has put together a national two-day conference on Wednesday, March 1 and Thursday, March 2 to look at the challenges faced by companies in light of the Ministry of Defence's plans for major expansion in land systems projects for the armed forces.

The conference will take place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds and former Defence Minister Lord Moonie will be addressing the conference.

Any companies wishing to attend the conference should telephone the information line to reserve tickets on 0191 226 7368.