Subcon returns to support in-person networking as UK manufacturing sector prepares for a post-pandemic future.
Subcon returns to the NEC this September 14-16 for the 44th time, heralding a much welcome return to business events and reinforcing the value of meeting face to face for UK manufacturing.
Subcon is the UK’s leading subcontract manufacturing supply chain show and its return as an in-person event comes at a pivotal time as UK manufacturing businesses of all sizes recover from the impacts of Covid-19, adjust to operating outside the EU and face a myriad of challenges and opportunities.
Appetite to get back to doing business in person couldn’t be stronger: the show’s headline sponsors are IAMP and SCS Concept Group and more than 80% of stand space is now sold with over 200 companies expected to exhibit, including Hoffman Group UK, Wilson Process Systems, Oldham Engineering.
Subcon is free to attend for anyone working in UK manufacturing and visitors also gain free access to The Engineer Expo and - new for 2021 – the popular Manufacturing Management Show (MMS). MMS delivers attendees with everything they need to know about running a successful manufacturing site under one roof. From maintenance to materials handling, CI and skills, IT to health and safety, MMS showcases a multitude of topics, curated specifically for senior manufacturing leaders from across the UK.
In addition to discovering new suppliers and solutions at the exhibition, Subcon features a high-end, three-day conference with forward-looking content curated by Manufacturing Management, including panel discussions, and keynote addresses from Make UK CEO Stephen Phipson, Made in Britain CEO John Pearce, Manufacturing Excellence managing director, Paul Bell, NMITE associate professor Nadia Kourra, and many more.
Collectively, they will discuss everything from the UK’s role in low carbon motoring and green mobility, how to master the post-pandemic recovery, addressing mental health in the workplace, and how attracting more young people to the industry can have a positive impact on the sector’s health, wealth and productivity.
A focus on innovation
Visitors to the Subcon Conference Theatre will also be lucky enough to see the Subcon Launchpad Award presentations. After a powerful launch in 2019, The Launchpad and Launchpad Awards return for a second outing at Subcon 2021 to provide start-ups and entrepreneurs throughout the sector with a valuable platform for sharing innovation and earning much-needed recognition and brand awareness among thousands of engineering and manufacturing professionals.
“Young businesses have faced extraordinary challenges as they have sought to bring ingenuity to market over the past year,” stated Subcon event director, Gordon Kirk. “It’s important that Subcon continues to provide a platform that focuses on the next generation of innovators and showcases their contribution to the future of industry and the UK’s global competitiveness.
“Subcon is a strategic opportunity for companies throughout the manufacturing supply chain to meet face-to-face, reconnect and secure business growth and a timely and unique platform for any UK manufacturers looking to source or develop a robust and localised network of UK supply chain partners.
“The past 18 months has been unprecedented and Subcon will shine a light on the untold challenges and opportunities this industry is facing, including the supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic and how that has served to highlight the true value of a reliable, local supply chain offering short lead time and better quality.”
Subcon, Manufacturing Management Show and The Engineer Expo will be run in accordance with Government guidance on Covid-19, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
