Birmingham to host UK first as manufacturing events unite at NEC
Thousands of the UK 's leading manufacturers and engineers are set to gather at the NEC Birmingham as the industry 's leading industrial events take place under one roof for the very first time.
The event comes as 99 per cent of manufacturers surveyed think the UK needs an Industrial Strategy to support sector growth and the green transition.
Manufacturing and Engineering Week (M&E Week) will celebrate the best of the sector when it opens at the NEC Birmingham on 7 to 8 June, as part of a range of sector events that will highlight the value of the industry to UK GDP.
Hosted in Birmingham, at the centre of UK manufacturing, the two-day event will focus on the future of the sector and its ambition to grow to 15 per cent of GDP as part of an Industrial Strategy led by a major report from Make UK, the manufacturing sector 's representative body.
The event, organised by the Nineteen Group, will focus on the future of manufacturing in the UK and the levers that must be pushed to enable its growth. The event will consider the growing skills gap and the obstacles faced by businesses in reaching net-zero.
Speakers include Nusrat Ghani, minister of state at the Department for Business and Trade and Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, who will outline the body 's call for a UK Industrial Strategy.
Henrietta Brealey, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Manufacturing is a critical part of the regional economy and we work directly with c.250 manufacturers through Chamber membership, so we 're really excited for M&E Week at the NEC.
“The sector is key to our region 's past, present and future, with £16bn GVA generated by the West Midlands ' manufacturing sector for the national economy.
“During M&E Week manufacturing and engineering business leaders, innovators, policy makers, exhibitors and buyers from across the world will be descending on the NEC. It is an unmissable opportunity for local businesses to be part of, with many of the events free to attend. ”
Haf Cennydd, portfolio director at Nineteen Group, commented: “M&E Week comes at an important time, bringing communities together to debate and discuss the current challenges faced by the sector.
"The support we 've received from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce demonstrates why the event is so important and we recognise the intrinsic role they play in uniting members from across our sector in Birmingham. ”
Ian Taylor, managing director for Conventions & Exhibitions at the NEC, said: “It is a fantastic time to be holding M&E Week at the NEC, with an outstanding list of sector shows coming to our venue in June.
“We are proud to have facilitated valuable trading opportunities for the manufacturing and engineering industries for more than 40 years. Birmingham is known for its strong industrial heritage and as a city it is excited to play a key role in powering the economy of the future. ”
The NEC will host 12 events that week including Design & Engineering Expo, Smart Factory Expo, Drives and Controls and Maintec run by Nineteen Group, Automechanika and Automotive Supply Chain Forum run by Messe Frankfurt, Med-Tech Innovation Expo and TCT 3Sixty run by Rapid News Group and Subcon, The Engineer Live, Manufacturing Management Live, Machinery Live run by MA Exhibition. Visitors can access all 12 events with one free pass.