The NEC: Powering Birmingham’s economic growth through face-to-face business

This blog was written as part of the 2025 Birmingham Economic Review, an annual report produced by University of Birmingham/City-REDI in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Read the full report.

By Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Exhibitions, NEC Group

With West Midlands Growth Company reporting over 100m visitors last year and a record £14 billion in visitor spending, in person interactions have gone from strength to strength in the West Midlands. Nowhere is this momentum felt more strongly than at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) - right at the heart of Birmingham’s business and visitor economy.

As Managing Director of Exhibitions at the NEC, I’m immensely proud of the role our venues continue to play in driving this growth. As the UK’s largest and most versatile exhibition venue, the NEC remains the home of face-to-face business.

Each year, we host 500+ events and support over 45,000 exhibitors - bringing together business, trade and consumer audiences from a hugely diverse range of sectors. These are the spaces where industries connect, partnerships form, and deals are done.

The NEC’s bounce-back has been remarkable since the pandemic. Businesses are returning to in person events with renewed purpose, and it’s clear from feedback that meeting face to face builds trust and relationships in ways digital platforms simply can’t replicate.

Every event held here contributes to the Birmingham economy and competitiveness of the UK as a destination for business. Across the country, the scale of the business events sector is extraordinary - in 2024 alone, an estimated 1,145 exhibitions and conferences at the UK’s main venues attracted 7.2 million visitors. From the first exhibitor loading in, to the final handshake that seals a deal, the value created is immense.

So far in 2025, we’ve welcomed nearly 25,000 exhibitors and more than a million visitors through our doors. These interactions power the strength of UK PLC, fuelling growth, exports, and innovation across multiple sectors.

Our flagship trade shows, like MACH - which attracts over 26,000 attendees and 500+ exhibitors - demonstrate our unique position as a platform for UK manufacturing. Similarly, events such as the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, Spring Fair, LAMMA, and the iconic CRUFTS draw tens of thousands of visitors and buyers each year.

Beyond the halls, this activity fuels the secondary economy - from hotel and restaurant bookings to transport and local suppliers.

The region’s recreation economy recorded the highest growth in expenditure in 2024, a clear sign that large-scale venues like the NEC remain central to the West Midlands’ success.

As we look ahead, we’re excited about the diverse programme of 100+ exhibitions already contracted for 2026. With visitor numbers continuing to climb and momentum building, each event will be another opportunity for businesses to come together face to face.

The NEC’s 50th anniversary in 2026 will be a proud milestone, not just for us as a team but for everyone who’s helped shape the venue’s story. And with the Invictus Games in 2027 set to shine an international spotlight on Birmingham, we’re reminded that our role goes far beyond events. This will be a chance to showcase both our world-class facilities and our enduring commitment to bringing people together with landmark moments.

As someone who’s had the privilege of seeing the NEC evolve over the years, I have every confidence that the NEC will continue to be where industries meet, partnerships thrive, and the next chapter of UK enterprise is written.