Collaboration and innovation propel Advanced Engineering

Over 9,000 engineering and manufacturing professionals descended on the NEC, Birmingham, at the end of last month for the 16th edition of Advanced Engineering, the UK’s annual showcase for innovation across the sector. With more than 400 exhibitors taking part, the two-day event offered a comprehensive look at the latest technologies, processes and partnerships shaping the future of industry.

Among the exhibitors were leading industry names such as Silverstone Technology Cluster, PRF Composites, GKN Aerospace, Goodfellow, Schneider Electric, Scott Bader and Optimas, alongside a wide range of SMEs and start-ups. The show floor was praised for its energy and the quality of conversations taking place throughout the two days.

John Arrowsmith, sales director at Scaglia Indeva Ltd, said: “This year’s show has been really strong for us, especially lead-wise. We have had conversations with companies, including Caterpillar and Red Bull, as well as a good mix of visitors across different industries.”

Jaguar Land Rover manager Andrew Wright added: “I wanted to see what is going on across the industry. I work with lots of suppliers, so it is useful to know what technology they should be aware of. Events like this are a great way to spot the latest trends, make new contacts and pick up ideas. It is great to see how busy it is.”

A key moment during the event was the announcement of the ‘Enabling Innovation Award’, which went to Ail Arian, a spin-out from Swansea University developing recyclable silver conductive inks for printed electronics. Designed with end-of-life recovery in mind, the technology helps manufacturers reduce Scope 3 emissions by up to 70% while recovering valuable materials. As part of the award, Mr Arian will receive a free stand at next year’s show.

Other award winners included VAC Innovation for ‘Best Marketing Campaign’, Busch for ‘Best Stand’, and JOTA for ‘Most Sustainable Stand’. The newly expanded Composites Pavillion, delivered in partnership with Composites UK, also drew significant attention.

Building networks
Mark Prince, founder of Dream Big Composites and last year’s Enabling Innovation Award winner, said: “I used to come to Advanced Engineering as a visitor, just looking at all the shiny toys. Now we are here with our own stand, thanks to that win, and the experience has been incredible. The footfall and location have been perfect and I am having genuinely meaningful conversations. We have already got two major companies to follow up with and even had a meeting with an investor. For us, that is exactly what this event is about — building networks and finding the right partners to grow.”

Another highlight came on day two with the launch of the AI Reality Check report. The session, chaired by Jon Excell, editor of The Engineer, featured Gerald Law, chief executive of Innovation DB, Dr Nandini Chakravorti CEng MIET, director of the Digital Engineering Group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), and James McAllister, general manager of Atlas Copco in the UK and Ireland. The panel drew a large audience as it explored the growing influence of AI in UK manufacturing.

Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digitalisation were recurring themes throughout the show. The Main Stage, rebranded as the ‘Future of Engineering — Powered by Automation, Robotics and AI’, hosted a series of sessions focused on connected manufacturing, sustainability and smart industry. Sponsored by Grid Dynamics and Schneider Electric, the stage provided a platform for thought leadership and technical insight. On the show floor, Atlas Copco’s Smart Manufacturing display demonstrated how digitalisation is transforming production environments.

Making real connections
The Innovations Gallery also proved a popular attraction, featuring fourteen pioneering technologies. Among the highlights were Addyx’s Carbon Exoskeleton, Matta Labs’ Blue AI inspection system, LATI UK’s conductive thermoplastics and Rockwood Aerospace’s lightweight propeller blades for eVTOLs and drones.

Simon Farnfield, event director at Easyfairs, organiser of Advanced Engineering, said: “This year’s show had a fantastic buzz. The halls were full of energy, with so many meaningful conversations taking place. The quality of visitors was excellent, from decision-makers at major OEMs to innovative SMEs looking to collaborate. What really stood out was the sense of community. People were staying late to network, continuing discussions over drinks and making real connections that will shape future projects. It is everything we aim for with Advanced Engineering.”

The event also featured a range of standout displays, from the RML supercar and Lotus cutaway to the Toyota Hilux hydrogen chassis, Arc Aero Systems’ drone and live demonstrations from PRF Composites. Meanwhile, the Meet the Buyer programme facilitated meetings between over 100 UK suppliers and representatives from Airbus Aircraft, Helios Information, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, Safran Helicopter Engines USA and a South Korean delegation.

As the doors closed on another successful edition, the message was clear — collaboration, innovation and investment remain central to the UK’s manufacturing resurgence. Advanced Engineering will return to the NEC on 4 and 5 November 2026, and for the first time will be co-located with UK Metals Expo, offering even greater opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.