Key Takeaways
- Make UK and Make UK Defence will jointly host a pavilion at Advanced Engineering 2026, enhancing visibility and collaboration.
- The pavilion provides a platform for direct communication between industry representatives and policymakers, addressing current challenges in manufacturing and defense.
- Exhibitors will showcase innovations that drive resilience and growth across sectors, emphasizing collaboration between civil and defense industries.
Joint Initiative at Advanced Engineering 2026
Make UK and Make UK Defence will debut a joint pavilion at Advanced Engineering 2026, marking a significant collaboration between two major advocates of UK manufacturing. This initiative aims to elevate the representation of their member companies, ensuring their voices are crucial in national discussions surrounding industrial strategy, growth, skills, regulation, net zero, and national security.
The joint presence not only strengthens the showcase for members but serves as an interactive platform for engineers, leaders, and innovators. It allows them to engage directly with the organizations advocating for the industry, especially during a pivotal period when critical decisions regarding industrial strategy, defense spending, and technology investments are underway.
Simon Farnfield, head of the UK Manufacturing Cluster at Easyfairs, points out that Make UK and Make UK Defence are the go-to organizations for stakeholders seeking insights on the manufacturing and defense supply chains in the UK. This initiative is intended to create a more unified and powerful voice for the industry at the event.
Importance of Advocacy in UK Industrial Policy
Make UK and Make UK Defence function as vital intermediaries between the industry and the government, offering data, analysis, and insights that influence policy decisions affecting skills, productivity, export support, defense procurement, and regulation. During Advanced Engineering, attendees will have the opportunity to communicate directly with policy and public affairs teams, discussing ongoing challenges in executing projects and contributing to the evidence that informs government decision-making.
Farnfield emphasizes that, amid fluctuating energy costs, skills shortages, supply chain disruptions, and heightened demands for net zero initiatives and digitalization, having these key advocates present fosters a direct feedback loop between real-world projects and national policies.
Promoting Innovation and Growth
The launching of this joint pavilion symbolizes the evolving nature of advanced engineering, where technology, talent, and supply chains increasingly intersect across various sectors. Successful projects now often involve collaboration among different industries.
Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, states that the combined presence will showcase how cooperation between civil and defense manufacturers can catalyze innovation, stimulate export growth, and strengthen the UK’s industrial framework.
While emphasizing advocacy, the pavilion will also function as a commercial and technical hub for member companies. Exhibitors will highlight how UK manufacturing and defense suppliers are tackling pressing challenges in design and development, spanning electrification, lightweighting, automation, advanced materials, AI tools, and new testing methodologies.
Companies interested in participating in the Make UK / Make UK Defence pavilion at Advanced Engineering 2026 are encouraged to reach out to their respective representatives or the Advanced Engineering team for details on participation options.
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