INDUSTRY NEWS
Why FIT Show Matters Now More Than Ever
There is still nothing quite like meeting face to face. We’ ve just come off the back of a hugely important celebration at FOREL’ s headquarters in Italy to kick off our 50th anniversary year. Bringing people together in one place gave us the opportunity to celebrate our history, share ideas and look ahead to what comes next.
JOE HAGUE, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, FOREL
It reminded me that some conversations simply work better in person. You can build relationships, exchange ideas, see technology first-hand and have the kind of spontaneous discussions that often lead to the biggest opportunities.
That is the power of face-to-face engagement, and it is exactly why trade shows matter.
I’ ve been involved with every edition of FIT Show, and I’ ve seen first-hand how much the event has developed over the years. I’ ve also seen what happens when major industry shows disappear.
When an event closes its doors, the impact is much bigger than losing a few days in the diary. The industry loses a meeting place, a shop window, a source of information and an opportunity for the whole supply chain to come together. That is why FIT Show matters. FIT Show is the only dedicated UK event bringing together the fenestration, glass, glazing, building and installation communities in one place. That is something we cannot take for granted.
As FOREL looks ahead to the next 50 years, we’ re proud to support FIT Show 2027 and the opportunity it provides for our industry to come together, face to face, once again.
A Call to Arms
The industry is operating in a challenging environment. There is uncertainty in the market, pressure on margins, ongoing regulatory change and constant demands to work more efficiently.
But difficult conditions do not mean we should step back from the opportunities available to us. In many cases, they make those opportunities more important.
A trade show gives businesses the chance to step away from the day-to-day, see what is changing, understand what is coming next and have meaningful conversations with the people who can help them move forward.
FIT Show only works when every part of the industry gets behind it.
We need the full supply chain represented, including:
• Machinery manufacturers.
• Glass processors and suppliers.
• Systems companies.
• Component and hardware manufacturers.
• Software and technology providers.
• Fabricators.
• Installers and fitters.
• Training providers.
• Trade bodies and industry associations.
• Distributors and service providers.
14 NOVEMBER 2026 CLEARVIEW-UK. COM