ALFED is pleased to announce the first confirmed speakers, and programme highlights for the ALFED Business Briefing 2026, taking place on Thursday 24th September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
This year’s event will bring together leaders from across manufacturing, finance, technology and the aluminium supply chain to explore the future of UK industry, resilience, innovation and leadership.
The day will focus on the challenges and opportunities shaping UK manufacturing, including economic outlook, industrial strategy, defence and national resilience, technology and AI, leadership development and the future capability of the aluminium sector.
We are delighted to confirm the following keynote and featured speakers so far:
- John Pearce, CEO, Made in Britain
- Glynn Jones, Agent, Monetary Analysis & External Engagement, Bank of England
- Tony Graham, OCEA
- DTE
- RamBase in collaboration with Hydro
- Sally Twisleton, Assemble Coaching
- Sleep Pod
Additional speakers and panellists will be announced over the coming weeks.
Programme Highlights Include:
The programme will explore the future of UK manufacturing, industrial resilience and economic competitiveness, with sessions focused on tariffs, inflation, market confidence and the strategic role of aluminium within UK industrial growth.
A featured session from Tony Graham, OCEA – “Defence & National Resilience Shouldn’t Rely on a ‘Pots and Pans’ Campaign” – will examine the importance of strategic industrial capability and the role aluminium plays in supporting UK defence and long-term national resilience.
The day will also feature practical insights into AI, automation, digitalisation and advanced manufacturing technologies across the metals sector, with contributions from DTE and RamBase in collaboration with Hydro.
Alongside industry and technology discussions, the afternoon programme will focus on mentoring, leadership development and attracting the next generation into manufacturing, including collaboration with the Outward Bound Trust and future Aluminium Allies initiatives.
The event will conclude with a powerful people-focused session from Sleep Pod, connecting industry leadership with wider social impact and purpose.
The ALFED Business Briefing continues to grow as one of the leading events in the UK aluminium calendar, bringing together senior industry leaders, policymakers and members from across the supply chain for a day of insight, collaboration and future-focused discussion.
Further programme announcements and registration details will follow shortly.
To book your tickets for the 2026 ALFED Business Briefing, please visit: https://alfed.org.uk/event/2026-alfed-business-briefing/
To find out more about ALFED, or to become a member, please visit www.alfed.org.uk.
