
SMS supports Babcock in Plymouth, Rosyth, and at HMNB Clyde in Faslane.
As a business we’re defined as a “turn-key independent ship repairer and marine engineering services provider”; i.e. we repair and maintain ships, submarines, and marine / civils infrastructure within ports, harbours and navy bases.
We currently work across 6 differing ‘silos’ with the Babcock business:
- HMNB Devonport - Warships, inc landing craft and amphibious vessels.
- HMNB Devonport - Submarines.
- HMNB Devonport - Estates and infrastructure, both nuclear and non-nuclear.
- HMNB Devonport - Broader commercial projects; i.e. Babcock Land / overseas projects.
- Rosyth - Work packages and SQEP; T31, and LUSM.
- HMNB Clyde - Work packages and SQEP.
SMS is an incumbent resident within the South Yard, HMNB Devonport, and we have a full-time presence in Scotland, located between Faslane and Rosyth.
Babcock International Group is SMS’s single largest customer.

Key points of contact within SMS
We’re always keen to talk and engage with the local supply chain, via phone, email, or social media.

The SMS Group has a robust procurement process, which is Project Manager lead.
This is detailed within one of our key SOP’s (standard operating procedures); our mangers will happily discuss this with you.
Our project managers are our buyers, email directly to:
Ben Rowe Dave Chaffers Marc Andrews Paul Downer
To sell to SMS, and to assist you in preparing your quotations, at a genuine ‘project level’, the following is ‘mission critical’ to us:
- An accurate return; clear narrative.
- Descriptive, and deliverable focused.
- Please reference the SOR (statement of requirement) specifically, wherever possible.
- Present a clear list of any assumptions.
- The same for any exclusions.
- Pricing to be itemised, as per the PM’s brief.
- Project plan / works duration, to be depicted, again as per the PM’s brief.
In summary we’re here to help, so please do get in touch.

Open Opportunities
There are currently no open opportunities linked to this project.

The SMS Group is always looking for good, hard working and conscientious people to join the team - especially here in Plymouth.
If you’re a tradesman with welding, fabrication, pipe, mechanical, or electrical experience, preferably in the marine industry, then please drop us a line.
We are currently hiring for the following positions:
- Marine Project Managers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Experienced Welders
- Pipe Fitters

The importance of social value initiatives within our supply chain
In partnership with Babcock we are jointly driving positive social value initiatives, and change, via the WMPP framework and this portal.
Collectively we’re hoping that these values flow down into our supply chain.
Together we are:
- Enhancing supply chain engagement, via this portal and industry events.
- Engaging with schools and various education bodies.
- Committed to both the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme.
- Sharing apprenticeships initiatives.
- Working with various charities, to include the RNRMC.
- Engaging with Babcock on various pilot schemes to include hydrogen fuel alternatives.
- Hosting a bid writing workshop.
With many more initiatives to follow, please watch this space or contact us using the button or form below.
Expression of Interest