Registration has opened for UK Metals Expo 2026, which will return to the NEC Birmingham on 4th and 5th 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
UK Metals Expo 2026 will take place on 4 and 5 November 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, co-located with Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations.
ENDS
For press enquiries, contact: lucy.fullarton@easyfairs.com
About UK Metals Expo
UK Metals Expo is a UK event serving the full metals supply chain, from raw materials and processing to fabrication, finishing, recycling and reuse. The 2026 edition will take place at the NEC Birmingham on 4 and 5 November, co-located with Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations.
About Tata Steel UK
- The Tata Steel Group has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world, and is among the top producing global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes.
Tata Steel in the UK has the ambition to produce net-zero steel by 2045 at the latest, and to have reduced 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.
- In October 2024, Tata Steel ceased ironmaking at its Port Talbot site and temporarily paused steelmaking pending the construction of a 3.2Mtpa Electric Arc Furnace, due to be commissioned late in 2028. For that period, the business will import slab and hot rolled coil to support manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and UAE. It also benefits from a network of sales offices around the world.
- Tata Steel Group is one of the world’s most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and a commercial presence across the world.
- The group recorded a consolidated turnover of around US$27.3 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2026.
About Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd
Hydro is a leading aluminium and renewable energy company, working to build more sustainable businesses and partnerships. The company operates across the aluminium value chain, with expertise spanning bauxite and alumina, primary metal, recycling, extrusion and rolled products. Hydro employs around 32,000 people across more than 140 locations in 40 countries and is committed to supporting a more circular, low‑carbon aluminium industry.
About MEPS International
MEPS International is an independent provider of steel market analysis, prices and forecasts. Its research covers global steel markets, including flat and long products, stainless steel and raw materials, helping steel producers, distributors, manufacturers and procurement teams understand price movements, market conditions and future trends. MEPS publishes a range of market reports and analysis, including its International Steel Review and regular price forecasts.
About Countrywide Metals Ltd
Countrywide Metals is an independent metal recycling business with more than 20 years of industry experience. Based in Birmingham, the company supports customers across the UK with the buying, selling, collection and recycling of scrap metal.
Working across sectors including construction, demolition and manufacturing, Countrywide Metals combines responsive service with access to a national and international partner network, enabling practical solutions for a wide range of scrap-metal requirements. Its equipment and skip provision also allow the business to handle large volumes and unusually shaped metals.
Countrywide Metals is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, demonstrating its commitment to quality management, continual improvement, environmental responsibility and accountable metals handling.
Notes to editors
- Free registration for UK Metals Expo 2026 is available at ukmetalsexpo.co.uk
- UK Metals Expo 2026 takes place on 4 and 5 November 2026 at the NEC Birmingham
- The event is co-located with Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations
- More than 15,000 attendees are expected across the three co-located events
- More than 750 exhibitors are expected across the event cluster
- Confirmed UK Metals Expo sponsors are Tata Steel, Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd, Countrywide Metals Ltd and MEPS International
