Defence and Aerospace

Helping defence, aerospace and security businesses manage complexity, strengthen resilience and grow with confidence.

Defence and Aerospace businesses operate in a complex and highly regulated environment. Long procurement cycles, complex supply chains, export controls, cyber and regulatory risk and the need to demonstrate financial strength all place pressure on management teams.

Supporting businesses in a high-scrutiny sector

The Defence and Aerospace sector continues to evolve rapidly, driven by geopolitical change, increased government spending, technological innovation and growing expectations around resilience and compliance.

Many businesses in the sector operate within complex procurement frameworks, highly regulated supply chains and environments where governance, financial resilience and stakeholder confidence are critical. We understand these pressures and help management teams balance compliance requirements with commercial objectives.

Businesses in the sector face a number of common challenges, including:

Long procurement cycles and working capital pressure
Increased supply chain scrutiny and resilience requirements
Investment in cyber, AI and advanced technologies
Complex regulatory and reporting obligations
Accessing funding and investment to support expansion
Managing international operations and cross-border supply chains
Preparing for acquisitions, private equity investment or exit

Our specialists help management teams navigate these challenges while maintaining the financial control, governance and strategic clarity needed to grow successfully.

Who we support

We support organisations across the Defence and Aerospace ecosystem, including:

Defence and Aerospace suppliers
Engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses
Technology companies
Cybersecurity and software businesses
Dual-use technology innovators
Owner-managed and founder-led businesses
Private equity-backed companies
Businesses entering or expanding within the defence supply chain

How we can help

At James Cowper Kreston, we help businesses across the Defence and Aerospace supply chain build financial resilience, strengthen reporting and governance, access funding and support strategic expansion. We combine specialist accountancy, tax and advisory expertise with partner-led service and international reach through Kreston Global.

Whether you are an established defence supplier, specialist manufacturer, technology-led innovator or a company looking to enter the defence market, we provide practical advice to help you make confident decisions and scale sustainably.

Audit and Assurance

In a sector where credibility and confidence matter, robust financial reporting is essential. We provide audit and assurance services that help businesses demonstrate financial strength to investors, lenders, customers and other stakeholders. Our practical, commercial approach helps businesses meet statutory obligations while strengthening reporting, controls and governance.

Business Advisory

Defence and Aerospace companies must balance opportunity with risk. We help businesses review performance, improve financial controls, assess strategic options, manage working capital, address financial stress and plan for succession. Our advice is designed to be practical, commercial and tailored to the stage of your business.

Tax & Innovation Reliefs

Defence and Aerospace businesses often invest heavily in research, development, specialist technology, software, engineering and dual-use capability. We advise on corporate tax, R&D tax relief, Patent Box, VAT, employment taxes and international tax matters, helping businesses manage compliance, improve cash flow and maximise the benefits of innovation investment without losing sight of commercial reality.

Corporate Finance and Transactions

As defence spending, industrial resilience and supply-chain capacity remain high on the agenda, well-positioned businesses may need funding to invest, recruit, acquire, expand or prepare for sale. Our corporate finance team supports fundraising, acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts, financial due diligence and tax structuring, helping owners and management teams make informed decisions at key moments.

Outsourcing and Financial Management

Accurate, timely financial information is essential when managing contracts, people, cash flow and growth. Our outsourcing and payroll services give businesses reliable finance function support, management information, payroll processing and cloud accounting capability, allowing leadership teams to focus on delivery, contract performance and strategic priorities.

Why choose James Cowper Kreston?

Partner-led advice: Direct access to experienced specialists who understand the commercial realities of operating in highly regulated and sensitive sectors.

Full-service support: Audit, tax, corporate finance, outsourcing and advisory services delivered by one integrated team.

Who we support: We work with owner-managed, founder-led and private equity-backed businesses that need practical advice, responsive service and direct partner involvement. Our clients value clear recommendations, commercial thinking and long-term relationships.

Regional strength with international reach: Strong relationships across the Thames Valley and Southern England, combined with access to specialist advisers in more than 100 countries through Kreston Global.

Commercial focus: Clear, actionable advice that helps businesses make confident decisions, manage risk and maximise potential.

Contact our Defence and Aerospace specialists

Whether you are looking to strengthen financial controls, access funding, plan for growth or prepare for investment, acquisition or exit, our specialists are here to help.

Contact our Defence and Aerospace team today.