Machines tool Events in United Kingdom
Smart Factory Expo
Smart Factory Expo: Powering the Digital Transformation of Manufacturing
In its ninth year of groundbreaking innovation and impact, Smart Factory Expo has firmly established itself as the leading manufacturing technology event in the UK and Europe. Curated by The Manufacturer, one of the most trusted and influential brands in industrial media, this annual gathering offers manufacturers a highly targeted platform to accelerate their digital transformation journeys.
Smart Factory Expo isn’t just a tradeshow—it’s a catalyst for change. Designed to help manufacturers become more efficient, more sustainable, and more profitable, the event provides unmatched access to the technologies, strategies, and partners that are reshaping the future of industry.
The Vision Behind Smart Factory Expo: Connecting Technology with Industry
At its core, Smart Factory Expo is about unlocking the full potential of digital innovation in manufacturing. As global industries grapple with volatile markets, shifting customer demands, and the urgent need for sustainability, this event offers actionable solutions to meet those challenges head-on.
The key objectives of Smart Factory Expo include:
Enabling manufacturers to achieve operational excellence through smart technologies
Promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in production
Helping businesses scale their digital maturity through real-world case studies
Connecting solution providers with decision-makers and practitioners
Accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies
Attendees leave the event not just informed, but inspired—armed with insights and tools to implement digital transformation strategies that work.
A Diverse Technology Showcase Across Every Manufacturing Discipline
One of the most compelling features of Smart Factory Expo is its comprehensive exhibition floor, which brings together a rich ecosystem of technology vendors, engineering consultants, software providers, and system integrators. Exhibitors showcase cutting-edge innovations in automation, connectivity, AI, sustainability, robotics, and more—providing visitors with a hands-on understanding of what’s possible today and what’s coming tomorrow.
Categories and solutions typically on display include:
Industrial IoT platforms and smart sensors
Automation and robotics for manufacturing lines
Cloud-based MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)
Digital twins and predictive maintenance technologies
Cybersecurity solutions for connected factories
AI and machine learning applications in production
3D printing and additive manufacturing tools
Energy management and carbon reduction technologies
This wide range of exhibits allows participants to explore the entire digital factory ecosystem—from concept and design to execution, monitoring, and optimization.
Strategic Content and Expert-Led Forums
Beyond the exhibition space, Smart Factory Expo offers a rich lineup of thought leadership sessions, keynote addresses, and expert-led panel discussions. These forums provide deep insight into emerging trends and help companies gain clarity on the practical applications of digital technologies in manufacturing environments.
Sample themes from previous editions include:
Building a business case for digital transformation
Data-driven decision-making and real-time analytics
Workforce reskilling and culture change in smart factories
Scaling automation from pilot to full production
Integrating legacy systems into new digital infrastructures
Cybersecurity risks and digital trust in Industry 4.0
These sessions offer actionable knowledge for plant managers, IT leaders, CIOs, and digital transformation officers, as well as for operational teams navigating the day-to-day challenges of modern manufacturing.
The Smart Factory Stages: Targeted Insight by Industry Role
One of the standout features of the event is its stage-based format, which breaks down complex topics into accessible, role-specific learning opportunities. Each dedicated content area addresses the unique challenges faced by various functions within a manufacturing enterprise.
Themed stages may include:
Digital Transformation Theatre – Strategies for digital leadership and organizational change
Smart Infrastructure Stage – Technologies to enhance connectivity, resilience, and scalability
Automation and Robotics Zone – Robotics, cobots, and automated workflows
Sustainability Stage – Emissions monitoring, clean tech, and carbon strategy
Workforce 4.0 – Upskilling and change management for the connected workforce
This format ensures attendees gain tailored insights relevant to their role, making their time at the event highly productive and focused.
Networking with Purpose: Building Connections That Drive Results
At Smart Factory Expo, networking isn’t left to chance. The event is designed to foster meaningful, results-oriented connections between attendees, exhibitors, and thought leaders. Whether you’re a startup looking to enter the market, or a multinational enterprise searching for agile technology partners, Smart Factory Expo provides multiple structured avenues to connect.
Networking opportunities include:
Bespoke B2B matchmaking services
Roundtable discussions with industry peers
Speed networking sessions for buyers and vendors
After-hours social mixers and receptions
Workshops led by technology providers and practitioners
This collaborative environment helps attendees forge lasting partnerships, pilot joint ventures, and explore new commercial possibilities.
Who Should Attend Smart Factory Expo?
The expo is tailored for a wide spectrum of professionals across the manufacturing landscape. Whether you're driving digital strategy or managing factory operations, this event provides unmatched value.
Ideal attendees include:
Chief Digital Officers and Transformation Leads
Plant and Operations Managers
CIOs, CTOs, and IT/OT integration specialists
Engineers, Process Designers, and Automation Experts
Data Scientists and AI Specialists
Sustainability and ESG Officers
Procurement and Supply Chain Leaders
Innovation and R&D Teams
The diversity of roles reflects the complexity of modern manufacturing—and the need for collaboration across disciplines to implement successful digital initiatives.
The Manufacturer’s Commitment to Quality and Impact
As the organizing brand behind Smart Factory Expo, The Manufacturer brings decades of credibility, thought leadership, and industry insight to the table. Known for their commitment to editorial excellence and industrial advocacy, their involvement ensures the event is content-rich, strategically structured, and highly relevant to real-world manufacturing challenges.
This is not just another tech trade show—it’s a trusted forum that empowers industry professionals to lead with clarity, agility, and confidence.
The Future of Manufacturing Starts Here
As digital disruption continues to redefine the manufacturing world, Smart Factory Expo offers the strategic foresight, practical tools, and professional network needed to navigate the transformation. From smart production lines to sustainable operations and AI-driven decision-making, the event showcases the technologies that are turning bold visions into tangible results.
For manufacturers ready to lead with innovation, Smart Factory Expo is more than a must-attend—it’s a game-changer.
Subcon Birmingham
Subcon – The UK’s Leading Platform for Industrial Subcontracting and Manufacturing Innovation
For nearly five decades, Subcon has stood as the UK’s most important trade show for industrial subcontracting, contract manufacturing, and engineering supply chains. Since its first edition in 1976, the exhibition has become a cornerstone for professionals seeking high-quality suppliers, innovative production solutions, and strategic partnerships.
Held annually at the NEC Birmingham, one of Europe’s premier exhibition venues, Subcon continues to set the standard for excellence in manufacturing. It serves as a vibrant meeting point for OEMs, procurement specialists, engineers, and business leaders from across key industries — from aerospace and automotive to energy, medical technology, and precision engineering.
A Trusted Event with Decades of Industry Legacy
The longevity of Subcon is no coincidence. Over the years, the show has earned an outstanding reputation for connecting buyers with manufacturing experts, fostering collaboration, and accelerating technological progress across the UK’s industrial landscape.
Organized by MA Exhibitions, a subsidiary of the Mark Allen Group, Subcon benefits from the group’s extensive experience in hosting successful B2B industry events and producing leading trade publications. This foundation of credibility ensures that each edition of Subcon delivers both high-quality networking and strategic value to exhibitors and visitors alike.
The event’s core mission remains consistent to help companies streamline their supply chains, improve production efficiency, and identify new manufacturing capabilities that drive competitiveness in an evolving global market.
A Complete Spectrum of Manufacturing Expertise
What makes Subcon unique is the breadth and depth of its technical coverage. The exhibition features hundreds of exhibitors representing the full spectrum of industrial manufacturing, ranging from traditional engineering services to cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of production.
Key areas represented at the show include:
CNC turning, milling, and precision machining
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) and rapid prototyping
Fabrication, casting, and molding solutions
Surface treatment, heat treatment, and materials testing
Electronics manufacturing and assembly
Design, engineering, and simulation services
Smart factory systems and automation technologies
This comprehensive approach ensures that every stage of the manufacturing process is represented from component design to final assembly and quality control. For visitors, it’s a rare opportunity to see how modern subcontracting integrates traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital manufacturing.
A Hub for Innovation and Technological Advancement
At its core, Subcon is not just a trade exhibition it’s a technology showcase where innovation takes center stage. Exhibitors and speakers alike present the latest developments in fields such as artificial intelligence, automation, materials science, and digitalization.
These advancements are shaping what many describe as the “next industrial revolution”, where the Internet of Things (IoT), smart data, and AI-driven analytics redefine production efficiency and product design. The show’s technical sessions and live demonstrations highlight how companies are adopting Industry 4.0 principles to remain agile, sustainable, and globally competitive.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Subcon serves as an invaluable opportunity to discover technologies previously accessible only to large corporations bridging the gap between innovation and practical application.
Networking, Knowledge, and Collaboration
Networking is the heartbeat of Subcon. Every year, the event attracts thousands of industry professionals, offering them the chance to meet new suppliers, strengthen existing relationships, and discuss potential collaborations.
The show’s layout and format encourage direct dialogue between decision-makers and solution providers, ensuring productive meetings and long-term partnerships. Alongside the exhibition, a series of technical seminars, keynote presentations, and expert panels provide attendees with crucial insights into market trends, supply chain management, sustainability, and engineering excellence.
These sessions are particularly valuable for professionals eager to stay ahead of rapidly changing manufacturing dynamics, such as supply chain digitization, sustainable materials, and global sourcing challenges.
Focus on the Future: Sustainability and Efficiency
As manufacturing industries worldwide face growing pressure to reduce environmental impact, Subcon actively champions sustainable production. Exhibitors increasingly highlight solutions that lower waste, improve energy efficiency, and integrate recyclable materials into production workflows.
This commitment reflects a broader transformation taking place across the UK’s industrial landscape, where sustainability and profitability now go hand in hand. Visitors at Subcon can explore technologies that not only improve product quality but also support responsible manufacturing from eco-friendly coatings to low-emission machinery and optimized resource management systems.
Why Subcon Remains an Unmissable Event
The ongoing success of Subcon lies in its ability to evolve. Despite global shifts in trade and technology, the exhibition continues to provide what industry professionals need most: reliable partnerships, actionable insights, and real solutions.
Each edition reaffirms its position as a strategic platform for sourcing, learning, and collaboration, helping companies of all sizes navigate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Whether you are a purchasing manager seeking trusted suppliers, an engineer exploring innovative materials, or a manufacturer looking to showcase your capabilities, Subcon offers the ideal setting to connect, learn, and grow.
Subcon – A Tradition of Excellence in Engineering
In summary, Subcon remains the UK’s leading event for industrial subcontracting and contract manufacturing, combining decades of experience with a forward-looking vision. By bringing together technology providers, manufacturers, and engineers under one roof, it drives innovation, strengthens industry connections, and highlights the UK’s continued leadership in engineering excellence.
More than just an exhibition, Subcon represents a living ecosystem of industrial progress a place where tradition meets technology, and where the future of manufacturing is shaped through collaboration and creativity.
For professionals across the manufacturing value chain, Subcon is not simply an event it’s an annual milestone, a reminder that the spirit of British engineering continues to evolve, adapt, and thrive.
LME Metals Seminar
LME Metals Seminar: A Premier Platform for the Global Metals Industry
The LME Metals Seminar, hosted at the iconic QEII Centre in the heart of London, stands as one of the most important single-day events in the global metals calendar. Known for attracting top-tier professionals, analysts, and decision-makers, the seminar offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the leaders shaping the future of the metals market.
With the London Metal Exchange (LME) as the organizing body, this event delivers a well-rounded program built around market insights, strategic thinking, and innovation, all within a single, content-rich day. Participants come away not only with updated knowledge, but with concrete strategies and invaluable business connections.
An Overview of the Seminar's Strategic Importance
As volatility and innovation continue to redefine global commodities markets, the LME Metals Seminar provides essential clarity. It serves as a compass for navigating uncertainty and identifying emerging opportunities in base metals, critical minerals, and market infrastructure.
The seminar is ideally positioned at the start of LME Week, ensuring high-profile participation from international mining firms, manufacturers, financial institutions, and policymakers. Its strategic timing and location make it the ideal launchpad for a week of deals, networking, and sector-wide dialogue.
What to Expect at the LME Metals Seminar
Designed to foster knowledge-sharing, strategic discussions, and peer-to-peer networking, the LME Metals Seminar is curated with precision. The agenda covers not just the economic and geopolitical dimensions of the metals market but also deep-dives into technological advances and policy shifts impacting supply and demand.
Highlights of the event include:
Expert panels discussing market volatility, price forecasting, and trading trends
Keynote speeches from global mining executives and thought leaders
Interactive Q&A sessions allowing attendees to engage directly with experts
Technology spotlights focused on digitalization, AI, and sustainability in metals
Live networking zones for informal, high-impact discussions
This balanced format allows both senior executives and emerging professionals to benefit equally—whether you're looking to benchmark strategies or gain firsthand market knowledge.
Critical Topics Shaping the 2025 Metals Outlook
The metals industry is undergoing dramatic shifts due to electrification, decarbonization, and supply chain restructuring. The LME Metals Seminar reflects these transformations, focusing on challenges and opportunities that will define the next 12–18 months.
Key themes to be explored include:
EV metals and battery supply chains
Aluminum and copper market forecasts
ESG reporting and responsible sourcing frameworks
The role of LME Clear in commodity risk management
New benchmarks in carbon pricing for metals
Attendees will gain insight into both macroeconomic influences—such as interest rates, energy transitions, and geopolitical tension—and micro-level innovations that are shaping the metals trade in real time.
Who Should Attend the LME Metals Seminar?
The LME Metals Seminar attracts a diverse and influential audience, making it one of the most dynamic environments for networking and strategic alignment across the metals value chain. Whether you are active in mining, trading, manufacturing, or finance, this seminar offers relevant content and impactful connections.
Typical attendees include:
Executives and analysts from mining companies and smelters
Representatives from commodity trading firms and brokers
Portfolio managers and investors monitoring metals markets
Supply chain professionals in automotive, construction, and electronics
Policy advisors and ESG compliance officers
Engineers and technologists exploring AI and blockchain in commodities
Because of its global draw and high-profile discussions, the event is also ideal for those new to the sector who are seeking fast-track access to industry thought leadership.
Networking That Delivers Real Value
Beyond its content-rich sessions, one of the key attractions of the LME Metals Seminar is its exclusive networking opportunities. With hundreds of participants attending from across the globe, this event offers direct access to the people who matter in metals.
Unique networking features include:
A dedicated welcome reception to kickstart LME Week connections
Reserved executive breakout rooms for private meetings
Coffee and lunch breaks structured for easy introductions
An event app to schedule meetings and access contact info
Real-time social feeds to promote dialogue and live commentary
Whether you're launching a new trading strategy, scouting suppliers, or seeking capital partners, the LME Metals Seminar provides a powerful platform to engage with key stakeholders.
The QEII Centre: A Venue That Matches the Seminar’s Prestige
The selection of the QEII Centre in Westminster reflects the high standards of the seminar itself. As one of London’s most distinguished event venues, it offers state-of-the-art presentation facilities, modern networking spaces, and direct access to transport, accommodation, and cultural landmarks.
Located just steps away from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the QEII Centre creates an environment that is as convenient as it is inspiring, perfect for a full day of learning, discussion, and engagement.
Why the LME Metals Seminar Matters in 2025
With ongoing transformation in energy systems, manufacturing, and supply chain logistics, metals are now strategic assets—vital to clean energy, national security, and global economic stability. The LME Metals Seminar 2025 serves as a critical checkpoint where data, dialogue, and direction come together to define the industry’s next chapter.
By attending, you position yourself to:
Stay ahead of market shifts and regulatory changes
Gain exclusive insights from LME insiders and global economists
Discover new strategies to manage price risk and sourcing volatility
Engage in discussions that will influence policy and innovation
This seminar is not just a meeting of minds—it is a driver of action.
Join the LME Metals Seminar 2025
The LME Metals Seminar is more than an event—it’s a catalyst. In just one day, it offers what many conferences struggle to deliver in a week: depth, relevance, and connectivity. It’s where the future of the global metals market is debated, forecasted, and, in many ways, shaped.
If you want to lead with insight, act with clarity, and network with purpose, LME Metals Seminar 2025 is where you need to be.
Complete Auto Recycling Show and Metals Recycling Event
The Cars & MRE at The NEC Birmingham: Bridging the Auto and Environmental Sectors in a Bold New Way
The Cars & MRE tradeshow, held at The NEC in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic and interdisciplinary events in the automotive calendar. Organized by Roar B2B Ltd, this exciting exhibition goes beyond showcasing automobiles and explores the vital intersection between the auto industry and the rapidly evolving sectors of environment and waste management. As climate consciousness and technology innovation shape the future of mobility, this event serves as a forward-looking platform for change.
Set in one of the UK’s premier event venues, The NEC, the tradeshow offers a rich and immersive experience for professionals, innovators, environmental advocates, and auto enthusiasts alike. It’s a place to connect, collaborate, and catalyze progress in industries that are crucial to both transportation and sustainability.
An Innovative Focus: Where Automotive Meets Environmental Responsibility
What makes Cars & MRE stand out is its deliberate focus on two seemingly separate but increasingly interconnected industries: the automotive sector and the environmental/waste management field. By bringing them together, the event highlights how mobility and sustainability are no longer parallel conversations but intertwined priorities.
Visitors can expect to explore a range of themes, such as:
Eco-conscious vehicle manufacturing
Waste reduction strategies in the auto industry
Electric and hybrid vehicle innovation
Recyclable and biodegradable materials in car production
Environmental compliance and automotive regulation updates
This dual focus not only enriches the experience for attendees from either sector, but it also sparks collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions for the industries' most pressing challenges.
Exhibitors That Shape the Future
A strong lineup of key exhibitors has been confirmed for the event. Each participant brings their own expertise and innovation to the table, making the tradeshow diverse and impactful.
Featured Exhibitors Include:
Versatile – showcasing solutions that integrate sustainability into vehicle operations
Booth Exhibits Ltd – specialists in display systems and eco-friendly exhibit designs
Apex Events & Exhibitions – bringing immersive automotive presentation experiences
EPM Agency – offering creative marketing solutions tailored to automotive and environmental campaigns
Quattro Display Limited – known for premium exhibition build-outs and environmentally responsible materials
These companies represent the cross-section of creativity, sustainability, and high-performance that defines Cars & MRE.
What You Can Expect as an Attendee
Attending The Cars & MRE isn’t just about walking through rows of products. It’s about immersing yourself in innovation and connecting with the future of transportation and environmental progress. Whether you're a seasoned industry expert or an up-and-coming professional, the tradeshow offers multiple layers of engagement:
Product showcases with live demonstrations
Panel discussions featuring thought leaders and experts
Workshops aimed at problem-solving and collaboration
Networking lounges designed for informal meetings and deal-making
Interactive exhibits that let you experience innovation firsthand
From the exhibition halls to dedicated knowledge zones, you’ll find constant opportunities to learn, engage, and be inspired.
Sustainability at the Core of the Event
Sustainability is not just a theme at Cars & MRE — it is woven into every element of the event. Many exhibitors are committed to eco-friendly practices, and Roar B2B itself has implemented initiatives to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
These include:
Paperless registration and digital programs
Recycling stations throughout the venue
Encouraging exhibitors to use sustainable materials
Promotion of public transport and ride-sharing for attendees
In doing so, the event walks the talk, demonstrating what true leadership in sustainable events looks like.
The NEC Birmingham: A Perfect Venue for Innovation
Choosing The NEC in Birmingham as the venue only amplifies the reach and accessibility of Cars & MRE. With state-of-the-art facilities and excellent transportation links, the NEC provides an ideal setting for international exhibitions and forward-thinking expos.
Birmingham’s central location means easy access for visitors from across the UK and Europe, while the city’s growing status as a tech and green innovation hub makes it a natural fit for a tradeshow at the intersection of auto and environment.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Cars & MRE This Year
Whether you are an automotive engineer, an environmental policy expert, a sustainability consultant, or simply passionate about green innovation, Cars & MRE has something to offer you.
Here’s why the event is worth attending:
It’s one of the only events in the UK that brings together the automotive and environmental industries
You’ll gain valuable insights into regulatory trends, sustainable technologies, and industry forecasts
It’s an unmatched networking platform where professionals meet to create real-world solutions
You can experience new technologies hands-on and see how they’re shaping tomorrow
The event fosters cross-sector collaborations that would be difficult to find anywhere else
A Trade Show That Reflects the Future
The Cars & MRE event at The NEC Birmingham isn’t just a traditional trade exhibition. It reflects where the world is headed — toward a future where transportation and sustainability are inseparable. In a rapidly transforming world, events like this are essential for creating dialogue, driving innovation, and inspiring the changes we want to see.
Whether you're looking to discover new products, meet potential partners, or gain inspiration for your next big project, Cars & MRE delivers an experience that is informative, forward-thinking, and empowering.
