We were delighted to attend this year’s UK Metals Expo in Birmingham, a leading event that brings together the entire metals supply chain alongside engineering, manufacturing, and construction. The Expo was a playground for metal makers and suppliers, showcasing everything from pipes, tubes, sheets, coils, billets, and profiles in every grade and finish imaginable. From massive cutting machines to precision laser equipment, it was a fascinating display of the industry’s capabilities. But also no surprise as the UK is home to more than 24,000 steel and metal manufacturing companies. It was a great opportunity to connect with the domestic community as well as international representatives from Turkey, India, and China.

We had the pleasure of meeting with some of the industry’s biggest names including Tata Steel, 7Steel, British Steel, Marcegaglia, Outokumpu, and ArcelorMittal, alongside smaller players such as Birmingham-based titanium specialists Ti-Tek. A special shoutout to Fracion, the UK’s only manufacturer of cappuccino and espresso machines, also based in Birmingham and exporting globally. Their craft (and their coffee + machines) are exceptional!

Beyond materials, the exhibition was rich with technology and sustainability solutions. Standout highlights came from Epicor, Jones Metal Software, CBAMBOO, and Decerna, all showcasing how digital and green innovation is shaping the industry’s future. It was also great to see a dedicated session for Women in Metals with contributors from 7Steel, Tata Steel, The Foundation Industries Sustainability Consortium (FISC) and and Countrywide Metals Limited CML.

Key Industry Discussions

Conversations across the event focused on the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities:

• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): With both the EU and UK schemes in play with many unknowns there was a very strong sense of frustration among business who were trying to prepare for this significant change.
• Skills shortages: An ongoing concern for manufacturers across the supply chain.
• Energy costs: Gareth Stacy of UK Steel highlighted how persistently high UK energy prices are undermining competitiveness. Their 2025/26 data shows UK producers pay up to 25% more for energy than peers in France and Germany adding £26 million in extra annual costs.
• Global oversupply: Delegates discussed the oversupply of steel, currently at over 600 million tonnes and projected to rise to 721 million tonnes by 2027 (Eurofer). This is staggering!

Looking ahead, there was also anticipation around the UK’s forthcoming Steel Strategy, expected this autumn, which will outline government plans to support domestic producers. This we look forward to and will review.

Another highlight was the launch of the UK Metals Council’s State of the Metals Industry in the UK 2025/26 report. This comprehensive industry survey shares the sector’s challenges and opportunities and we will post more about this in the coming weeks. It’s always good to know what industry are really concerned about. The report also ties into the UK’s new Industrial Strategy, launched in June 2025. This 10-year plan aims to re-industrialise Britain through innovation, with metals at its heart.

Event Gallery

It was great to be part of such a vibrant gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and makers. The connections and insights we gained will be invaluable as we continue to support the sector with technology and solutions for a sustainable future.

We’re already looking forward to next year!

Further reading

• UK Metals Expo 2025
• State of the Metals Industry in the UK 2025/2026 Report-2025-Web.pdf
• Closing the Power Gap Reports & Publications | UK Steel
• Latest OECD global overcapacity data show ever-worsening trend confirming the urgent need for strong EU steel post-safeguard measures, says EUROFER