EVENT PREVIEW
Getting there
By Air: Birmingham International Airport, which is conveniently situated a few minutes from the NEC, services scheduled flights from 34 national and international destinations.
Last year, in‘ The Big Issues’ Theatre 1, Lord Rupert Redesdale and Rajesh Nair( CEO, Tata Steel UK) discussed the critical transformation needed to build a viable and sustainable business in a challenging economic landscape.
“ UK Metals Expo is a really impressive and uplifting event, with so many businesses represented. It’ s a great opportunity to bring our customers here, talk to our suppliers and find new opportunities that can help each other’ s businesses,” said Nair.
The trade show will confront urgent challenges and unlock opportunities facing the industry, with insights from top industry leaders. This will include:
■ Strategic sector updates from the Aluminium Alliance, UK Steel Strategy Council and UK Metals Council.
■ New supply chain opportunities that are emerging in the automotive, defence and energy sectors.
■ Trade and tariff analysis, featuring expert insight on global market volatility and projections through to 2026.
■ CBAM, decarbonisation and ESG front and centre as the metals sector adapts to stricter regulations and investor pressure.
■ The rise of the scrap sector, driven by the transition from blast furnaces to electric-arc furnace production.
■ Mentoring and Careers Day on 11 September 2025. This new initiative will bring together universities, veteran reskilling programmes and institutions, such as IET and IOM3, to tackle the sector’ s critical skills gap and support the next generation of talent. n
By Car: The venue is signposted from all main UK motorways and routes including the M42, M40 and M6. Enter postcode B40 1NT into your sat nav.
Once you arrive at the NEC, follow the electronic signage or directions provided by the traffic team to get you to the North Car Park, which is being used for the event. Car park charges apply, although there are discounted parking options. To reach Hall 12, take the shuttle bus or walk( following the signposts).
By Train: This is the most direct route. Services run regularly to the nearest station, Birmingham International. If you are travelling from further afield, you may need to catch a connecting train at Birmingham New Street( 15 minutes away).
By Bus: Use X1 or 97A services from Birmingham City Centre. The show organiser also runs a free, regular bus service to and from the event from Aston Street( outside Aston University) and Barber Institute( University of Birmingham).
By Coach: Over 120 National Express and Megabus coach services also run daily across the UK to Birmingham Airport.
From Birmingham Airport, visitors can get to the NEC via the free air-rail link, which takes 90 seconds and runs every two minutes.
EDITOR’ S NOTE
Free show registration is on www. ukmetalsexpo. com / freeregistration /
Watch the video highlights from UK Metals Expo 2024 on www. youtube. com / watch? v = GBGgMji0oyI
www. ukmetalsexpo. com
44 | ismr. net | ISMR June 2025