General Atomics

Easyfairs acquires UK Metals Expo

Easyfairs has acquired UK Metals Expo Limited. This move seamlessly complements Europe’s largest network of powerhouse industrial events, which boasts 30+ manufacturing and industrial processing exhibitions and earlier this year saw Southern Manufacturing & Electronics added to Easyfairs’ distinguished portfolio.



Image courtesy Easyfairs

Easyfairs today announced the acquisition of UK Metals Expo Limited. This move seamlessly complements Europe’s largest network of powerhouse industrial events, which boasts 30+ manufacturing and industrial processing exhibitions and earlier this year saw Southern Manufacturing & Electronics added to Easyfairs’ distinguished portfolio.
 
Since its launch in 2022, UK Metals Expo has become firmly established as the annual event uniting the entire metals supply chain. The event has experienced phenomenal year on year growth in visitor attendance and exhibitor participation and enjoys the support of all key trade associations in the sector. This growth, coupled with strong enthusiasm from all stakeholders for networking and learning opportunities, has positioned the event as a significant force shaping the future of the metals sector in the UK. The next edition will take place on 10 & 11 September 2025 at the NEC Birmingham and will welcome 380 exhibitors.
 
UK Metals Expo joins a portfolio of established Easyfairs events, including the UK-based Advanced Engineering and Southern Manufacturing & Electronics. There are obvious synergies between the events, including strong relationships with leading industry associations, plus an enhanced network of key visitor and exhibitor brands and complete supply chain coverage, offering more annual touch points for stakeholders to connect and do business. This knowledge, range of experts, suppliers, technology, creativity and innovation, is set to serve the entire UK manufacturing value chain.
 
UK Metals Expo also becomes part of a portfolio of European events including: Metal Madrid – part of Advanced Manufacturing Madrid – Spain’s largest annual gathering for manufacturing, machining and metal processing, Metavak in The Netherlands and Journée de Métal in Belgium, to name but a few. The synergy between the events opens up numerous exciting opportunities for the UK Metals Expo exhibitors to unlock channels to new audiences across Europe.
 
Alison Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK & Global, commented: “We are excited to work with the UK Metals Expo team to continue to grow and develop this fantastic event. Supporting and championing the manufacturing industry has become an integral part of Easyfairs’ mission. Easyfairs will strive to further strengthen UK Metals Expo with our technology infrastructure, sizeable database from running 30+ industrial events and strong relationships with relevant media and associations. I’m confident that together we will be even better placed to serve this renowned community.”
 
“It was vital for us to consider what was best for the future of the event and the community it serves. Our event was borne out of a relationship with the UK Metals Council, so we needed to find the right organiser who would continue to position it as the annual focal point for the metals sector,” commented Jason Franks, Managing Director of UK Metals Expo. “Easyfairs was immediately identified as the perfect home for the UK Metals Expo. Myself and the team recognise the synergies between our values, objectives and long-term plans and are all excited to work with the Easyfairs team to continue to successfully deliver the 2025 event and beyond. This is the obvious next step in the UK Metals Expo journey.”

Related

UK Aviation to improve support for disabled air passengers
London Gatwick Airport
UK Aviation to improve support for disabled air passengers
As the Civil Aviation Bill advances, disabled air passengers are set to benefit from stronger protections, including improved accessibility, wheelchair safeguards and specialist staff training.
Aerospace

19 Oct 2026

Heathrow third runway plan could support 50,000 local jobs by 2055
Heathrow third runway
Heathrow third runway plan could support 50,000 local jobs by 2055
Heathrow says its proposed third runway could unlock major employment, skills and supply chain opportunities for local communities and businesses.
Aerospace

19 Oct 2026

UK drone regulation risks rewarding those who ‘ask forgiveness rather than permission’
uvatek babka drone in flight
UK drone regulation risks rewarding those who ‘ask forgiveness rather than permission’
UK drone companies that follow the regulatory process risk losing work to operators prepared to fly first and seek approval later, UAVTEK has warned.
Aerospace Magazine

19 Oct 2026

Navantia UK secures new export contract, creating 60 jobs at Methil
Methil apprentice
Navantia UK secures new export contract, creating 60 jobs at Methil
The number of workers at Navantia UK's Methil yard is set to increase following the award of a second new vessel export contract and an expanding future workload.
Defence Member News

20 Oct 2026

Andy Lord appointed Interim Chair of NAD Group Advisory Board
Andy Lord
Andy Lord appointed Interim Chair of NAD Group Advisory Board
Having served as a Non-Executive Director and Board member for Defence Equipment & Support from 2018, Andy Lord has now been appointed Interim Chair of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group Advisory Board by Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.
Defence

19 Oct 2026

Plans confirmed for Scottish Defence Technical Excellence Colleges
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP (left) and Scottish Secretary of State Douglas Alexander (centre left) launch the Defence Growth Deal at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland in Glasgow on 12 March 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Plans confirmed for Scottish Defence Technical Excellence Colleges
Scottish Government Innovation Minister Alyn Smith has confirmed Holyrood ministers will “partner with the UK Government” to grow skills in the defence sector with the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) - one in the East and one in the West of Scotland - as part of a wider £50 million deal.
Defence

19 Oct 2026

Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
United Kingdom backs new space strategy with £7.8 billion to counter orbital threats and strengthen satellite capabilities
Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
A military conflict in space could emerge within the next five years as countries…
Security Space

20 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
United Kingdom backs new space strategy with £7.8 billion to counter orbital threats and strengthen satellite capabilities
Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
A military conflict in space could emerge within the next five years as countries…
Security Space

20 Oct 2026

UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
The Future of U.S.-UK Defense Cooperation with UK Secretary of Defence Wes Streeting
UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has called for an overhaul of military procurement, setting targets to reduce contract timelines and speed up the delivery of new technologies.
Defence Security

19 Oct 2026

The Reading Agency launches largest-ever UK prison book-gifting programme
The Reading Agency launches largest-ever UK prison book-gifting programme
The Reading Agency launches largest-ever UK prison book-gifting programme
An initiative from The Reading Agency, championed by Prison Reading Laureate Lee Child, will see almost a half million Quick Reads reach prisons across the UK, with a collection shaped by people in prison and prison staff.
Security

19 Oct 2026