Britain’s manufacturers are under pressure to decarbonise, stabilise supply chains and squeeze more productivity from every asset. Against that backdrop, UK Metals Expo, returning to NEC Birmingham on 4–5 November 2026, has quickly become the place where the UK metals and manufacturing community comes together to move real projects forward.
Unlike broad, generalist industry gatherings, UK Metals Expo is built around the end-to-end metals supply chain. Under one roof you will find primary producers, stockholders, processors, fabricators, surface treatment experts, recyclers and technology providers, alongside engineers and manufacturers responsible for specifying, purchasing and maintaining metal-based components and systems.
Serious buyers, active projects
The 2025 edition hosted almost 300 exhibitors and attracted decision makers from organisations such as BAE Systems, TATA Steel, Boeing, JLR, Nissan, GKN Aerospace, JCB, Airbus, Leonardo and Balfour Beatty – companies actively investing in UK based capability and resilience.
Exhibitors for 2026 already include Swiss Steel, Hydro Aluminium, Behringer, Bridgnorth Aluminium and Van Leeuwen, underlining the breadth of the market now using the event as a strategic sales and collaboration platform. The 2026 edition will run alongside Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations, creating a cross-sector hub that connects materials suppliers, manufacturing engineers, R&D and quality teams across multiple industries.
Insight that supports investment decisions
Running alongside the exhibition is a free to attend conference programme that tackles the issues shaping metals use in manufacturing and engineering. Planned topics for 2026 include:
- Green Steel Revolution: Port Talbot’s arc furnace construction and its impact on green steel and scrap metal markets
- CBAM Countdown: preparing for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, effective January 2027
- Decarbonisation Realities: pathways and challenges for low-carbon metals
- Supply Chain Resilience: reshoring, local content, and risk-proofing strategies
- Material Innovation: new alloys and lightweight solutions for performance gains
- Industry 4.0 in Metals: AI, automation, and the skills gap.
Speakers from producers, OEMs, technology innovators and trade bodies will share case studies and lessons learned, giving visitors the context they need to justify investment in new equipment, suppliers and processes.
A strategic two days at the NEC
With major projects moving from planning to delivery in infrastructure, energy, transport and advanced manufacturing, UK Metals Expo 2026 offers a time efficient way for MEPCA readers to survey the market, compare solutions and strengthen their supply chains, while also tapping into the innovation communities brought together by Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations.
To exhibit:
Companies looking to position themselves at the heart of the UK metals and manufacturing conversation – and convert that visibility into a stronger pipeline – can find stand options and sponsorship opportunities below.
To attend:
Attendees can register their interest to attend and be notified when free visitor registration opens.
