UK Metals Expo closed its biggest edition to date at the NEC Birmingham, strengthening its position as the UK’s leading marketplace for the metals and manufacturing community.
Visitor engagement and satisfaction surged
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8.4/10 average visitor score – up from 2024.
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86% likely to recommend UKME – a strong endorsement from the industry.
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+27% increase in dwell time – visitors now spend an average of 2h 38m onsite.
It was inspiring to see the entire steel industry under one roof. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, a mix of learning, networking, engaging discussions, and new opportunities.” — Piyush Porwar, Managing Director
The Expo provided a valuable platform to engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate our commitment to shaping the future of metals.” — Norsk Hydro, sponsor of the Sustainability & Circularity Theatre
Day 2 of UK Metals Expo proved to be even better than Day 1… though the expo is so vast that there was no chance of seeing them all!” — Stephen Barclay, Head of Executive Office, Tata Steel
Exhibitors report record interest
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+45% more new exhibitors in 2025 – signalling accelerating supplier demand.
It was our first time exhibiting at this show… we had a fantastic two days meeting so many of you from across different companies and industries.” — Cottam Brush
We’re still buzzing from the energy, the conversations, and the shared passion for innovation in the metals industry.” — Boal Extrusion
We had a fantastic time showcasing our machines, running live demos, and connecting with so many attendees and exhibitors.” — HPC Laser
A fixture on the sector’s calendar
With 5,315 unique visitors and over 7,000 total attendees from 55 countries, UK Metals Expo 2025 delivered its most global and comprehensive edition yet.
More than 320 exhibitors and 148 speakers across four theatres brought the full metals value chain together under one roof.
UK Metals Expo has become a real fixture on the sector’s calendar. It’s a unique event for people from the UK steel sector and further afield to gather together in one place.” — Kaye Ayub, Senior Consultant, MEPS International
Coming from manufacturing, it’s been easy to fall into the trap of ‘we know the problem.’ But the truth is, more often than not… you don’t. That’s why getting out there at the UK Metals Expo was so valuable.” — Adam Stockwell, iMaintain
Looking ahead: new dates, new scale
Following its 2024 acquisition by Easyfairs, UK Metals Expo will move to 4–5 November 2026 at NEC Hall 4. The event will run alongside Advanced Engineering and LAB Innovations, creating the UK’s largest gathering for metals, manufacturing, and engineering — while retaining its own dedicated hall and identity.
This combined platform will expand opportunities for buyers, engineers, and policymakers to source, learn, and collaborate on an unprecedented scale.
By the numbers (2025)
- 5,315 unique visitors, 7,000+ total attendees — the largest gathering to date
- 55 countries represented
- 320+ exhibitors across the full value chain
- 148 speakers, 40 sessions across four theatres
- Visitor satisfaction: 8.4 / 10
- 86% would recommend UKME to colleagues
UK Metals Expo and Advanced Engineering will run together on 4–5 November 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. Check stand rates and availabilities at www.ukmetalsexpo.com/exhibit/
