Advanced Engineering 2018 will feature a dedicated UK Contract Manufacturing zone for small engineering firms and sub-contractors.

The organisers say that UK sub-contractors are facing growing competition from overseas and that there is now a need — more than ever — for the UK market to have the best platform to showcase these businesses.

Alison Willis, industrial divisional director of the show organiser Easyfairs, said: “Britain’s small engineering companies are the backbone of the country’s manufacturing capability — a capability that is renowned around the world for its technical expertise and customer service.”

(www.advancedengineeringuk.com), which takes place on 31 October and 1 November at the NEC in Birmingham, connects the entire supply chain of the UK’s advanced-engineering industry with R&D, design, test, production and procurement in a two-day free-to-attend exhibition and high-level conference.

Advanced Engineering 2018 includes six co-located zones: Aero Engineering, Composites Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Performance Metals Engineering, Connected Manufacturing and — new for 2018 — Nuclear Engineering and UK Contract Manufacturing.