Proposed Board Appointment and Operational Update

Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT), the UK's first publicly listed next‑generation defence technology platform, is pleased to announce the proposed appointment of Anthony "Staz" Stazicker CGC (Conspicuous Gallantry Cross) as Non‑Executive Director, subject to completion of standard due diligence checks.

A further announcement will follow once these assessments, including any necessary disclosures under UKLR 6.4.8, are complete.

A Battle‑Hardened Instinct for Innovation

With 13 years of decorated military service, including a decade in UK Special Forces (SBS), Staz served as a chief sniper instructor and demolitions expert, earning the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for combat actions in Afghanistan in 2013.

Originally a Royal Marine, he joined SBS in 2009 after passing Selection first time. His military career saw high-stakes missions across multiple theatres, including clandestine operations at sea, desert, jungle, and mountain environments. Staz is a published author and was part of the former Special Forces team that set the fastest known time for a speed ascent of Mount Everest, travelling from London to the top of the world and back in just 7 days.

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Founding ThruDark

After leaving the forces in 2018, Staz co‑founded ThruDark, a high‑performance technical apparel brand, alongside fellow UKSF veteran Louis Tinsley. Drawing directly on field experience, the brand was built to solve real equipment failures, from kit zips failing mid‑air to inadequate cold‑weather protection ThruDark's, clothing is personally trialled by Staz in extreme conditions, from Arctic ascents to high-altitude peaks, ensuring real-world performance.

Since its launch, ThruDark has achieved impressive growth: £10-13 million in annual revenue, near 90% growth over three years, a Sunday Times Fast Track listing, and global expansion including into the U.S. market.

Leadership Commentary

Brian Stockbridge, Co‑Founder of Defence Holdings, commented:

"Staz's elite military leadership, operational precision, and proven innovation translate exceptionally well to our ambition of scaling advanced defence tech. He brings the clarity and resilience we need at the board level."

Anthony "Staz" Stazicker, on his proposed appointment, said:

"At Defence Holdings, I see an opportunity to extend battlefield-tested discipline and real-world adaptability into sovereign-level defence Tech. It's the same mindset under pressure that drives success."

Operational Update

The Board is pleased to confirm:

• A robust core leadership team, fully capable of executing the strategic roadmap.
• Capital-efficient governance, with prudent cost controls and long-term operational discipline.

These foundations underpin the Company's continued progress across key technology domains, including AI-enabled sensing, secure communications, autonomous platforms, and critical infrastructure defence.

​​Media Enquiries

Brian Stockbridge, Director

Defence Holdings PLC