Registration has opened for UK Metals Expo 2026, which will return to the NEC Birmingham on 4 and 5 November for what organisers expect to be its largest edition to date.
This year’s event will be backed by Tata Steel, Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd and MEPS International, and will be co-located for the first time with Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations – a move expected to broaden its reach across the wider UK manufacturing sector.
Positioned as the UK’s dedicated event for the metals supply chain, UK Metals Expo brings together primary producers, stockholders, processors, fabricators, recyclers, surface finishers, technology providers and trade bodies, alongside a free conference programme focused on the major issues affecting the sector.
Organisers say the 2026 edition comes at a time when the industry is facing mounting pressure around decarbonisation, trade policy, supply chain resilience, skills and investment.
Free registration is now open at ukmetalsexpo.com
First-time co-location aims to widen manufacturing reach
The biggest change for 2026 is the event’s co-location with Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations. Together, the three events are expected to attract more than 15,000 attendees and over 750 exhibitors from across metals, engineering and manufacturing.
For visitors from the metals sector, the combined format is intended to create greater access to engineers, OEMs, manufacturers and technology suppliers, while giving the wider manufacturing audience a clearer view of developments across the metals supply chain.
Rather than focusing only on upstream materials production, the event will place metals within a broader industrial context, linking supply chain issues to end-user demand, innovation and policy.
Sponsors bring industry and market perspective
Support for the 2026 edition comes from Tata Steel, Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd, Countrywide Metals Ltd and MEPS International.
Their involvement reinforces the event’s emphasis on practical industry discussion rather than broad sector promotion.
Tony Waite, Director Markets, Developments and Commercial Services at Tata Steel said:
“With CBAM on the horizon and in an ever-changing trade landscape, it is vital that the metals value chain comes together and stays up to date with the latest developments. The UK Metals Expo provides a great space for the industry to engage and share knowledge and we look forward to another exciting event this year.”
MEPS International managing director, Jayne Craven, notes: “Recent developments within the European and UK steel markets have cemented steel prices and procurement strategies at the top of many businesses agendas in 2026. As such, the UK Metals Expo arrives at a perfect time for MEPS.
Every year the event grows, providing a great platform to discuss our steel prices, market insights and forecast outlooks with people from across the steel supply chain, both on our stand and at the panel discussions that we host. I know the MEPS team will be extremely busy on November 4 and 5 but we’re really looking forward to being back at the NEC and engaging with attendees. The UK Metals Expo is one of the highlights of our events calendar.”
Conference programme to focus on policy, supply chain and decarbonisation
The free conference will run across four theatres covering big issues, supply chain, trade and policy, sustainability and circular economy, and innovation and technology.
Topics due to be addressed include decarbonisation strategies, the impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, changes in trade policy, UK supply chain resilience, scrap and electric arc furnace developments, circular economy models, automation, process innovation, and workforce challenges.
The programme is intended to reflect the commercial and operational issues currently affecting metals businesses, rather than offering a purely high-level discussion of future trends.
Simon Farnfield, Head of the UK Manufacturing Cluster of events at Easyfairs, said:
“UK Metals Expo 2026 reflects the direction of travel across manufacturing, where materials, engineering, technology and policy are increasingly interconnected. Bringing the event together with Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations creates a broader platform for the metals sector and a stronger opportunity for cross-sector exchange. With support from Tata Steel, Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd and MEPS International, the 2026 programme will address the issues businesses are dealing with in real terms.”
Registration is free at ukmetalsexpo.co.uk. Please click here to register your place.
