National Manufacturing Summit 2026: Powering Progress for British Industry
19 January 2026 
The UK’s manufacturing leaders will gather on 26 February 2026 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry, for the National Manufacturing Summit 2026, a flagship event designed to shape the future of British industry. Under the theme “Powering Progress: Strategy for Great British Manufacturing,” the summit promises a day of insight, collaboration, and actionable strategies to drive sustainable growth.
This year’s programme is packed with high-impact sessions that explore how strategic thinking, innovation, and partnerships can unlock resilience and competitiveness. The day begins with a Welcome and Opening Address, setting the tone for discussions on sustainability, technology adoption, and industrial strategy. Attendees will then hear “A State of the Manufacturing Nation”, a keynote offering a data-driven view of the sector’s current strengths and challenges.
Interactive elements will play a key role, including live polling sessions that give manufacturers a voice in shaping future policy. These insights will feed into panels such as “From Policy to Production”, where experts bridge the gap between government frameworks and real-world operations.
The summit’s speaker line-up features some of the most influential voices in the industry. Dr Graham Hoare, CEO of the MTC, will deliver the welcome address followed shortly by
David Bailey, Professor of Business Economics, University of Birmingham who will paint a picture of the current landscape by delivering our State of a Manufacturing Nation keynote, while Dr Nandini Chakravorti, Director of Digital Engineering at MTC, hosts the “Driving the Future” panel on emerging technologies and workforce development.
Industry leaders such as Adam Vicary, Chief Executive of Castings PLC, will share perspectives on innovation and supply chain resilience. SME success stories will also take centre stage, including Mike Hauge Morgan, CEO of Autocraft Solutions, who will reveal how bold leadership and technology adoption transformed his business.
Breakout sessions will provide practical insights on topics ranging from AI and automation to sustainability strategies, making defence accessible to drive Innovation, and skills development. Case studies like Label Apeel’s journey with will demonstrate how strategic support and funding can unlock growth, while sessions on mentorship and collaboration will highlight the power of networks in driving innovation.
Beyond the auditorium, attendees can explore the exhibition zone, featuring partners such as Made Smarter West Midlands, Epicor and Innovate UK, and connect with experts offering guidance on funding, technology, and workforce development.
Now is the time to power progress. Whether you’re an SME ready to scale or a large enterprise shaping the supply chain of tomorrow, the National Manufacturing Summit 2026 offers the ideas, connections, and momentum to turn strategy into action. Join the UK’s manufacturing community at the MTC on 26 February 2026 to explore the technologies, skills, and partnerships that will define the next decade of British industry.
Registration is free but spaces are limited, secure your place today at www.nmsummit.co.uk
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