Revolutionising UK manufacturing and engineering

WITH OVER 450 exhibitors, 200 speakers, and a focus on education, innovation, and industry solutions, SMW is the essential event for manufacturers and engineers looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

With an expanded international reach and new features, SMW 2025 will showcase the latest in manufacturing technologies and solutions. The event offers manufacturers an invaluable opportunity to stay informed about trends, connect with industry leaders, and explore the technologies that will define the future.

Of particular interest to readers of Controls, Drives & Automation will be Smart Factory Expo and Drives & Controls, which focus on automation, robotics, motion control and how data analytics drive efficiency. Other exhibitions taking place concurrently as part of SMW in Hall 5 include Maintec and the Design + Engineering Expo while Subcon from the Mark Allen Group, Automechanika run by Messe Frankfurt; Med-Tech Innovation Expo and TCT 3Sixty from Rapid News Group will take place in other halls across the NEC. One visitor badge provides access to all events.

Educational programme: Addressing industry’s key concerns

Shaped by extensive research, SMW's educational programme is tailored to address the critical challenges the industry faces. Covering key topics, the event’s seven solutions theatres will focus on Digital Transformation, Industrial Data & AI, IIoT & Connectivity, Design & Innovation, Automation & Robotics, Leadership & Strategy, Maintenance, and the new Technology Showcase Arena, where attendees can get hands-on with new technologies and solutions. Each theatre aims to provide practical insights that can be implemented to improve operations.

The resilience of supply chains has become a central focus in recent years, especially following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. The Supply Chain Research Report – Risk and Resilience (2024) shows that 50-70% of manufacturing costs and 80% of CO2 emissions are tied to the supply chain, making it a key area for improvement. In addition, the report found that over 90% of manufacturing businesses now see nearshoring and reshoring as key strategies in safeguarding their supply chains.

Digitalisation continues to be a major focus for UK manufacturers with the 2024 Manufacturing Agility Assessment showing that 71% of manufacturers will prioritise the digitalisation of production planning and scheduling to stay competitive (an increase of 27% on 2023). Technologies such as IoT, AI, machine learning, and cloud computing are no longer optional – they are essential for staying competitive. In the Digital Transformation theatre, manufacturers will gain insights and strategies to address these challenges and stay ahead in the evolving landscape.

The Automation & Robotics theatre will also be of interest to readers of Controls, Drives & Automation, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the next wave of intelligent automation, robotics, and AI-driven systems transforming manufacturing and industrial processes.  

By engaging in SMW 2025’s educational programme, attendees will hear from experts across these topics, discovering how to develop more agile and resilient supply chains and navigate their businesses’ digitalisation journey. Amongst other things, experts will discuss strategies for upskilling the workforce, mitigating risks, improving continuity and incorporating reshoring and nearshoring practices.

Workforce Development: Bridging the skills gap

One of the biggest challenges facing UK manufacturing today is the shortage of skilled workers. In 2024 research found that 97% of manufacturers recognise that hiring and retaining skilled labour presents a challenge to the growth of their business. Given the rapid pace of technological change, there is an urgent need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce.

The skills gap is a major focus for SMW, so much so that ‘People and Skills’ is one of the five pillars around which the event is organised. With 80% of manufacturers struggling to find digital skills, SMW 2025 will provide insights into attracting and retaining talent.

A key example of SMW’s efforts to tackle this issue is its continued dedication to inspiring the next generation of manufacturers and engineers through its STEM Programme. Now extended to focus on school year students, as well as those in further education, hundreds of students and apprentices will have the chance to interact directly with industry experts, offering a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of advanced manufacturing and engineering.   

In addition, SMW’s partnerships with organisations such as WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) aim to ensure that industry opportunities are appealing and accessible to populations that have been historically underrepresented in this area. With a focus on improving gender diversity in STEM, WISE will contribute to discussions on attracting a broader talent pool into manufacturing. Their involvement in SMW aligns with the event’s wider goal of addressing workforce challenges by fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Sustainability: A green future

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a top priority for UK manufacturers and is another of SMW’s key pillars. With the 2024 Manufacturing Agility Assessment reporting that environmental sustainability and net zero planning is a top goal for 65% of manufacturers, it’s a topic which is impossible to ignore.

The Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit will serve as a platform to discuss sustainability. The summit brings together industry experts and technology leaders to share insights that will help visitors optimise operations, adapt to market demands, and create a more sustainable and future-ready manufacturing business.

Smart Factory Expo: The heart of innovation

At the heart of Smart Factory Expo is Innovation Alley, which will showcase some of the most exciting start-ups and early-stage businesses driving the transformation of manufacturing, from robotics and AI to advanced automation systems.

Exhibitors in Innovation Alley fall into four main categories: ‘People’, focusing on Wellbeing, Workforce Management, Recruitment, Training and Skills. ‘Product’, which centres on Design, R&D and Materials. ‘Process’ which includes Productivity, Resilience, Supply Chain and AI and ‘Planet’ which encompasses NetZero, Sustainability and Energy Management.

Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 is an essential event for anyone involved in the UK manufacturing sector. With its focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and workforce development, SMW 2025 will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools to stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape. From supply chain resilience to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, SMW will explore the critical trends and solutions shaping the future of manufacturing.

Visitors benefit from the range of activities available at the event. From education to commercial discussions, networking and the ability to get up close to the technology of the future. With all this under one roof, it’s a time-efficient way to tick off so many of the ‘to-do’ list actions all in an enjoyable, upbeat environment.

To find out more or to register to visit Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 please visit: 

www.smartmanufacturingweek.com