Do we need to think differently about defence? With Rachel Ellehuus and Duncan Farrow-Smith

Do we need to think differently about defence? With Rachel Ellehuus and Duncan Farrow-Smith

Author: Deloitte UK September 30, 2025 Duration: 40:32

For many of us, defence is invisible.

As we go about our everyday lives, we rarely have cause to think about it. And that's a good thing. It means that the defence sector is doing its job well and preventing threats from becoming incidents that make headlines or change lives.

But what that job entails, how it's best done and the tools that are used to do it is changing. 

As geopolitical tension and new technology transform the nature of the threats, and how we fight them, defence is becoming more important and more visible for all of us. 

Defence spending has increased globally each year for the last decade. Within the UK the defence sector has been identified as key area for growth, with plans suggesting that it could boost the economy by providing more jobs, more innovation and more resilience - as well as increasing the need for greater collaboration between government, institution and industry too.

So as private sector looks to play a greater role in the evolution of defence – what could that role actually look like? What does it mean for businesses and the people who work in them? How will it affect defence operations and the society they protect? And what do we all need to understand about defence today to prepare for the future?

That's what we're exploring with Rachel Ellehuus, CEO of the Royal United Services Institute, and Duncan Farrow-Smith, Chief Strategy Officer and leader of the defence practice at Deloitte UK, as we ask: Do we need to think differently about defence?

Tune in to find out:

  • The economic and strategic opportunities that come with a growing defence sector
  • How different stages of technology and innovation are reshaping the future of defence
  • The ways that public and private sector collaboration can deliver national impact
  • Why zig-zag careers and talent attraction are pivotal for success 

Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

Find out more about Scope here: scope.org.uk

Guests: Rachel Ellehuus, Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute, and Duncan Farrow-Smith, Chief Strategy Officer and leader of the defence practice at Deloitte UK

Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston

Original music: Ali Barrett

 


In The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business, conversations move beyond surface-level trends to examine the underlying forces reshaping the commercial landscape. Hosted by Deloitte UK, this award-winning podcast creates a space where complex, pressing questions are met with clarity and depth. Every discussion is built around a single, significant inquiry, bringing in leading voices from across various sectors to unpack it. What you'll hear is not just commentary, but substantive strategic analysis and expert insights designed for leaders and professionals who need to understand the 'why' and the 'how'. The dialogue consistently returns to critical, interconnected areas like digital transformation, the practical implications of AI and technology, evolving leadership models, and the realities of the future of work. It also delves into core business strategy, the pathways to genuine innovation, and the urgent demands of sustainability and climate action. This podcast functions as a dedicated forum for thought leadership, where each episode provides a focused lens on the topics that define success and responsibility in modern business. The aim is to equip listeners with perspectives that are both broad and deeply relevant, turning abstract concepts into actionable understanding. It’s a resource for anyone looking to engage with the substantive ideas that are currently challenging and changing organizations worldwide.
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