RML Group appointed to Make UK Defence advisory board

Matt Frost, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at total engineering solutions provider RML Group, has been appointed to the Make UK Defence Advisory Board. As the sector’s dedicated trade association, the member-owned organisation champions the UK’s defence supply chain.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Frost will help to shape the future of UK defence manufacturing. He will contribute to Make UK Defence’s work representing manufacturers across the supply chain, with a particular focus on championing the impact, agility and specialist capabilities that SMEs can bring to the sector.

Frost has held the role of COO at RML Group since 2025, with responsibility over production and operations. As a former engineering officer in the British Army, he has first-hand experience in the requirements of the sector and will offer his unique insights into the challenges currently facing UK defence.

Commenting on his appointment, Frost said: “Make UK Defence acts as the representative voice of the industry, offering a platform for SMEs to be heard, seen and included in national defence conversations. As part of my role on the Advisory Board, I will play a driving role in championing the role of SMEs and the benefits they can offer. After all, while rapid project turnaround and stronger capabilities for new technology test and development are currently under-utilised by the sector, SMEs can help plug this gap by offering levels of agility and flexibility that larger OEMs cannot.

“I’m passionate about ensuring that those businesses are brought into the conversation earlier and more consistently. By giving SMEs a stronger seat at the table, the UK defence sector can unlock a broader base of engineering expertise, accelerate innovation and leverage the specialist capability only smaller businesses can provide.”