More than 150 ALFED members and industry partners joined us at Carden Park on 13 November for the 2025 ALFED Business Briefing, followed by just under 300 guests at the ALFED Annual Dinner later that evening. The event has become a key fixture in the UK aluminium calendar, bringing the full value chain together for market insight, policy updates, and sector-wide collaboration.
Business Briefing: Key Insights and Sector Updates
The day opened with Chief Executive, Nadine Bloxsome, who outlined ALFED’s continued growth, the increasing breadth of our policy and technical work, and the expansion of initiatives such as the Aluminium Allies to strengthen the sector’s skills pipeline and industry profile. Nadine also reflected on the Federation’s role in the UK Aluminium Alliance, ongoing work on CBAM, and our continuing engagement with Government on industrial strategy, trade, skills and sustainability.
Market and Economic Outlook
CRU’s Paul Williams provided a detailed assessment of global aluminium trends, noting continued weakness across European demand, significant contraction in UK systems and extrusion markets, and ongoing shifts in scrap pricing, energy costs and conversion margins. Delegates received updated forecasts for 2026 and insight into the wider macroeconomic pressures influencing aluminium supply and demand.
This was followed by a strategic metals outlook from the London Metal Exchange, covering price drivers, global exchange behaviour, stock movements and the interaction between financial markets, geopolitics and near-term pricing expectations.
Trade, Customs and Policy Developments
A comprehensive trade update was delivered by Ewelina Pieckowska, Trade & Compliance Manager at Arconic and Chair of the ALFED Trade Committee. Ewelina outlined the rapidly changing trade and customs environment, including the introduction of the UK Single Trade Window, updates to the Border Target Operating Model, tightening global rules-of-origin enforcement, and the practical implications of divergence between the European and UK CBAM regimes. Her session highlighted the increasing importance of strong internal data systems and supply chain transparency, particularly for semi-fabricated products and cross-border shipments.
Anna Doherty then provided a practitioner-led overview of the UK customs landscape, including the full transition to CDS, evolving export-control requirements, and the growing use of digital verification tools across customs compliance. Her guidance reinforced the need for accurate product classification, coherent internal processes, and forward planning as additional regulatory measures come into force in 2025–26.
Industrial Strategy, Resilience and National Capability
Simon MacVicker and Professor Andrew Perchard presented an important session on strengthening the UK’s industrial foundations, outlining the need for renewed investment, metals resilience, and consistent long-term policymaking. Their presentation explored the UK’s structural challenges, including energy pricing, capacity bottlenecks and underinvestment, and the role of strategic metals in national security and industrial competitiveness.
Aluminium Allies: Developing the Next Generation
A highlight of the day was the Aluminium Allies panel, where young professionals shared their experiences, career pathways and perspectives on attracting and retaining new talent within the sector. Their candid reflections were extremely well received, and ALFED will continue to expand this initiative through 2026 with new networking, mentoring and skills programmes.
Annual Dinner 2025: Celebrating Excellence Across the Industry
The evening’s Annual Dinner brought together nearly 300 guests for a celebration of the industry’s achievements and the strength of the UK aluminium community.
Presidential Handover
The Federation formally welcomed Wendy Giles, Director of Procurement at Amari Metals Ltd as the new ALFED President, following thanks and recognition for the outgoing President’s contribution and leadership. Wendy outlined her priorities for the coming year, including strengthened member engagement, continued focus on skills and diversity, and deeper collaboration across the supply chain.
Industry Awards
ALFED was pleased to present three key awards on the evening: the Rising Star Apprentice of the Year Award, the Community Engagement Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising exceptional talent, impact and long-term contribution across our sector. The quality of submissions was outstanding, reflecting the professionalism, technical capability, community focus and commitment of individuals and teams throughout the UK aluminium industry. See the details of all of the winners here.
Guest Speaker: Frank Bruno MBE
Guests heard from Frank Bruno MBE, who shared reflections on his career, resilience, and long-standing mental health advocacy work. The conversation also highlighted how member fundraising last year has supported the Frank Bruno Foundation and its programmes for young people and adults facing mental health challenges.
Evening Highlights
The dinner featured live entertainment from local band, the Declan Swans, a charity auction in support of the Charlie Fogarty Foundation, and extensive networking throughout the evening. It was a strong demonstration of the unity, ambition and collaborative spirit of the UK aluminium sector.
Thank You to Our Members, Speakers and Sponsors
ALFED extends its thanks to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to making the 2025 Business Briefing and Annual Dinner a success. Your continued engagement plays a vital role in strengthening the voice and capability of the UK aluminium industry.
To see the speaker slides and learn more about the topics discussed in the ALFED Business Briefing, please click here.
