UK Metals Expo 2024 concluded with resounding success, exceeding expectations for all involved. With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the event has laid a solid foundation for an even bigger and more impressive show next year.
In just three years, the Expo has become a cornerstone of the industry calendar, boasting 300 exhibitors and drawing 7,500 industry professionals from 51 countries. The Expo brought together companies, buyers, supply chain partners, and industry peers, fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for growth across the entire metals supply chain. This year saw a 51% increase in attendance, with a satisfaction score of 8.3/10 from the post-show survey.
What an incredible time we had at UK Metals Expo! I can honestly say this was the best show we’ve exhibited at in the UK. It wasn’t just the number of attendees but the quality of people and the conversations we had at our stand. Thank you so much, UK Metals Expo. Our stand is already booked for next year, and we couldn’t be more excited!” said the UK Sales Manager of Swiss Steel Group, who exhibited for the third time.
Diverse Industries Represented
The diversity of industries represented—from aerospace and automotive to construction and renewable energy—demonstrates the Expo’s central role in connecting the entire metals supply chain. This year’s exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions tailored to a wide variety of sectors, reinforcing the event’s position as a critical hub for innovation and collaboration.
The Head of Executive Office at Tata Steel UK, one of the event sponsors, echoed these sentiments:
A really impressive and uplifting event with so many businesses represented.” Tata Steel UK’s CEO, speaking at the show, highlighted, “It’s a great opportunity to bring our customers here, talk to our suppliers, and find new opportunities that can help each other’s businesses.”
Trade associations were equally enthusiastic. Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of The Aluminium Federation (ALFED), shared,
This community event is all about metals, and we get to see all our members in one place. It also gives us the chance to meet potential new members and stay updated on industry trends. We can share valuable insights with our members going forward.”
Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director of Professional Polishing Services Ltd, noted,
The event has truly embedded itself in the metal sector as the place to network, meet with customers and suppliers, make new contacts, and learn something new.”
Networking and Deal-Making Opportunities
In addition to the impressive exhibitor presence, the Expo fostered an environment ripe for networking and deal-making. Many attendees reported securing new business partnerships and contracts, reflecting the Expo’s role as a facilitator for tangible growth and collaboration within the metals industry.
Visitors were equally impressed:
It’s brilliant. The show offers fantastic insights into what suppliers do for us. There’s a wide variety of suppliers here, from metal materials to energy solutions. It’s a step up from last year’s event, and I believe it will continue to grow, which is excellent news for the UK industry,” commented one visitor.
The Head of Materials at Arabelle Solutions, added:
An excellent, high-value event. Such a diverse representation of the metals industry in the UK”
A Global Platform for the Metals Industry
With attendees and exhibitors from 51 countries, UK Metals Expo continues to grow its global influence, becoming a major international platform for the metals industry. This year saw a marked increase in cross-border collaborations, as businesses from around the world explored new markets and partnerships.
We were here speaking at the event, looking for new technical partners for the racing team in the pursuit of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans again,” commented the Commercial Director at United Autosports.
With four theatres and 30 hours of content, the free seminar programme was highly praised.
The presentations I attended were excellent; of particular note was having Chris McDonald MP underpin the UK Government’s commitment to a Manufacturing Strategy,” shared the Global Research Project Manager – Technology & Innovation Office at Gestamp.
Chris McDonald, delivering the opening keynote speech, reinforced that an Industrial Strategy is
a great opportunity for all those who work in industry and will enable the UK to attract the investment that we need to grow the economy and generate wealth to rebuild public services and tackle poverty and inequality.”
Looking Ahead to UK Metals Expo 2025
A heartfelt thank you is extended to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event. Their support has been invaluable, and the team is already hard at work to deliver an even greater show in 2025. Looking ahead, the 2025 Expo promises even more, with organisers planning to introduce new features such as custom workshops and also increase areas with live demos and emerging technologies.
Save the Date for UK Metals Expo 2025
UK Metals Expo will return to the NEC, Birmingham, on 10th and 11th September 2025, promising an even larger and more dynamic event. Don’t miss out! With the majority of exhibitors already confirmed to return and fresh enquiries coming in from across the globe, organisers encourage businesses to secure their spots now to avoid disappointment.
For more information about exhibiting, please visit https://ukmetalsexpo.com/exhibit.
