Championing Progress: SMI’s Year of Representation, Recognition and Resilience
By Jennny Shaw, CEO, SMI
As the Women in Defence Awards return on 25th November 2025, Scientific Management International (SMI) prepares to pass on the mantle of “Most Improved Charter Signatory” with pride, reflection, and renewed commitment. The recognition we received last year was more than a moment of celebration, it was a catalyst for visibility, engagement, and transformation.
For SMI, a specialist SME delivering mission-critical connectivity in the most demanding environments, the award marked a turning point. It amplified our voice as a charter signatory and positioned us as a visible advocate for inclusion, excellence, and SME innovation in defence. Over the past year, we’ve seized that momentum to deepen our impact, broaden our reach, and strengthen our commitment to the values the award represents.
A Platform for Influence
The recognition from Women in Defence UK opened doors to new platforms and audiences. In the months following the award, SMI was honoured by a visit from the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key. The visit was a powerful endorsement of our contribution to maritime defence and a meaningful opportunity to showcase our inclusive culture, technical leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement.
We also took to the stage at DSEI 2025, where highlighting the critical role smaller companies play in driving innovation, agility, and resilience across the defence sector. We explained how SMEs are essential skills incubators for the defence supply chain delivering the resilience the sector needs. Our remarks resonated with industry leaders and policymakers alike, reinforcing the importance of inclusive procurement and collaborative partnerships.
At Ocean Business, speaking at the Society for Underwater Technology’s Women in Industry event, SMI continued to represent the SME voice, engaging with stakeholders across the marine technology ecosystem. Our presence underscored the value of cross-sector collaboration and the importance of inclusive growth in shaping the future of both ocean renewables and underwater defence capabilities.
Progress in Practice
Beyond public platforms, SMI has made tangible progress in embedding the principles of the Women in Defence Charter into our operations. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened our internal development pathways, expanded mentoring opportunities, and deepened our commitment to inclusive recruitment. Our leadership team continues to champion diversity at every level, ensuring that our culture reflects the values we advocate externally. Our efforts are coming to fruition with both the appointment of our first female financial director, giving our Board a 50/50 gender balance, and recruitment of our first female apprentice into our engineering team.
We’ve also invested in visibility, both for our people and our purpose. From internal communications to external campaigns, we’ve worked to ensure that the stories of our team members are heard, celebrated, and shared. This year, we launched a spotlight series on women in engineering at SMI, showcasing the talent, tenacity, and technical excellence that drives our success.
Representing SMEs with Purpose
As a charter signatory and proud SME, SMI has embraced the responsibility of representation. We’ve engaged with policymakers, industry bodies, and fellow signatories to ensure that the voice of SMEs is present in conversations about inclusion, innovation, and procurement. Our contributions have helped shape dialogue around the barriers and opportunities facing smaller companies in defence and the critical role they play in achieving strategic outcomes.
We’ve also continued to support the Women in Defence Charter community, sharing insights, resources, and encouragement with fellow signatories. Our journey has been shaped by collaboration, and we remain committed to lifting others as we climb.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to pass on the title of “Most Improved Charter Signatory,” we do so with deep gratitude and enduring resolve. The recognition we received last year was a launchpad. In the year ahead, SMI will continue to champion inclusion, excellence, and SME leadership across the defence sector.
We remain committed to the principles of the Women in Defence Charter and to the belief that progress is best achieved together. Whether through continued engagement with industry events, deepening our internal initiatives, or amplifying the voices of our team and SMEs in defence, SMI will keep pushing forward with purpose, pride, and partnership.
To the next signatory stepping into the spotlight: congratulations and may your journey be as transformative as ours has been.