EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

MACH 2028 Floor Space Already Half Sold

General sale for MACH 2028 is now open, with more than half of the exhibition floorplan already sold following a surge in requests for space. Over 13,000 m² of stand space has been snapped up nearly two years before the UK’s premier manufacturing technology showcase returns to the NEC Birmingham on 3-7 April 2028. Companies are being urged to book immediately to ensure the best range of stand locations.

The rush follows the success of MACH 2026, which attracted 26,000 attendees and more than 500 exhibitors. Staged across five halls, official post-show figures confirm that exhibitors reported overwhelmingly positive results, including record enquiries and sales. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to book before September 2026 to qualify for the early bird discount.

More information www.tinyurl.com/3ecfpjsb

Impact Of War

New research shows the huge impact the ongoing war in Iran is having on businesses across the Midlands. The research – carried out by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce – reveals that 80% of businesses have seen costs increase because of the conflict. Some 64% of manufacturers said they had faced “moderate or significant” extra costs, with 5% saying the increases threatened their viability. Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber, says the survey highlighted the need for more government support with energy costs and better contingency planning to develop price stability.

More information www.tinyurl.com/ya37he64

50 Jobs Forecast

Manufacturers across the southeast are set to create 50 new jobs after investing more than £0.5m in AI, robotics and digital technologies. Some 17 projects have been supported by £245,000 of grants from the Government-backed Made Smarter South East programme, unlocking £563,000 of private sector investment in technologies. Projects include AI-powered automation, robotics, automated testing, advanced digital inspection, integrated ERP and CRM systems, digital scanning and 3D printing technologies, helping manufacturers improve productivity, reduce manual work and strengthen quality.

More information www.madesmarter.uk

Supporting Industry Through Digital Transformation

BeDIGITAL will hold its eighth edition from 23 to 25 February 2027 at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain, debuting its new biennial format as a premier hub for industrial digitalisation. Amid the rapid evolution of AI, the growing connectivity of production processes, and the need to strengthen cybersecurity and business competitiveness, February’s timing will enable suppliers and end users to connect at a key moment for planning investments, strategies and the development of technology projects. The exhibition programme will be complemented by digital talks and innovation workshops.

More information https://bedigital.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com/en

£5000 AWI Grant For Black Country Air Cadets

A group of Black Country air cadets are flying high after receiving a generous donation from a local manufacturer. 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron Air Training Corps will use a £5000 grant from Alloy Wire International’s ‘Wired for Good’ campaign to purchase flight simulators and essential equipment to help young people take part in activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It will help up to 60 cadets, aged between 12 and 20 years old, gain valuable ‘flight time’ in their bid to gain their blue wings, while also supporting the squadron’s desire to grow to 100 cadets.More information www.alloywire.com