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Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo 2026

Event artwork for Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo 2026

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Made SmarterECIInspiredHorizon WorksDurham University
About this event

What to expect

The Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo 2026 offers UK manufacturers an intensive two-day programme combining strategic insight with hands-on learning at Hardwick Hall-Durham Country Park in Sedgefield. With Made Smarter as headline sponsor, this event addresses the critical challenges facing British manufacturing — from AI adoption and digital transformation to productivity gains and supply chain resilience.

Manufacturing Expo — Thursday 25 June

The full-day expo delivers actionable strategies through expert-led sessions and real-world case studies. Opening keynotes from Stephen Phipson CBE (CEO, Make UK) and Professor Bart van Ark (The Productivity Institute) set the strategic context, examining productivity challenges across the sector.

Industry leaders from GeoPura, LBBC, G&B Electronic Designs Limited and the Manufacturing Technology Centre share proven approaches to boosting output. Supply chain resilience takes centre stage with insights from Siemens, Filtronic and MSE Hiller Ltd, offering practical peer perspectives on strengthening operational continuity.

The afternoon's 'Digital Shop Floor' session, introduced by Brian Holliday (Managing Director, Siemens plc), explores technology adoption through contributions from Dyer, AW Hainsworth, AESSEAL plc, Arup and Sunderland Software City. These sessions demonstrate how manufacturers are implementing AI and digital tools to transform production environments.

Extensive networking opportunities throughout the day enable connections with peers, speakers, exhibitors and partners including ECI, Inspired, Horizon Works and Durham University.

Manufacturing Dinner — Wednesday 24 June

The event launches with an evening designed for relationship-building and sector-wide reflection. Following a drinks reception, David Moore (CEO, Pragmatic) delivers the keynote address. A three-course dinner accompanies a panel discussion examining forces shaping UK manufacturing's future, providing space for informal yet substantive conversations with fellow sector leaders.

Who Should Attend

This event suits manufacturing leaders, operations directors, and decision-makers focused on:

  • Understanding current shifts across UK manufacturing
  • Learning how organisations are investing and adapting
  • Participating in informed, practical discussions
  • Building lasting professional connections beyond the event

Attendees can register for the dinner, expo or both days. The comp

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