4 min read - 29 Sep, 2025
First speakers announced for Advanced Engineering 2025
Advanced Engineering, a key event for the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors, has announced the first round of speakers for this year’s exhibition. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 29-30 October 2025, industry experts and thought leaders will deliver in-depth talks across multiple forums, offering practical knowledge and insights on the pressing challenges that the industry is facing.
The main stage
The key topics at this year’s main stage include automation and robotics, sustainability, policy and the skills gap. This sets the tone for the rest of the show and aims to address the most significant challenges and changes happening in the engineering and manufacturing space.
Stephen Phipson, chief executive officer at Make UK, will deliver a keynote speech focused on growth and the industrial strategy. With extensive experience in high-tech manufacturing businesses and involvement in senior civil service roles, he will bring a well-rounded perspective to the main stage.
Picture: Easyfairs
Automotive, mobility and electrification forum
Sessions on the expanded automotive, mobility and electrification forum will cover electrification, smart mobility, sustainability and manufacturing readiness.
Giampiero Testoni, CTO of Energica Motor Company, will explore how the integration of digital and traditional manufacturing is driving innovation in high-performance electric motorcycles. His presentation will also highlight how close collaboration with CRP Technology and the use of advanced processes such as CNC machining, die casting, and selective laser sintering with Windform® composites are setting new standards in structural integrity, thermal efficiency and electrification.
Elsewhere, Charlie Robson at Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied), will present on the next wave of innovation in automotive electrification. As the EV market matures, his talk will explore how advancements in power electronics, particularly the shift from Silicon IGBTs to Silicon Carbide MOSFETs, are unlocking new efficiencies across batteries, motors and cooling systems.
AM2
Replacing last year’s AMT forum, the AM2 Forum will tackle additive manufacturing and advanced materials. Application is key here, with sessions built around real case studies, measurable benefits and engineering-ready technologies.
Alongside other industry experts in the field, Goodfellow, a global leader in the supply of advanced materials, has contributed three speakers to this year’s exhibition. Between Mark Daniels, Aphrodite Tomou and Adam Sells, there are decades of industry experience. From technical constraints and commercial needs to material science and global markets, attendees will benefit from seeing multiple perspectives.
Picture: Easyfairs
Composites engineering
The featured project on the Composites Forum is GKN Aerospace – ASPIRE, transforming high-rate composite airframe manufacturing through structural integration. Discover novel ways that composites are integrated into industry focuses like decarbonisation, intelligent materials, circular supply chains and high-performance bio-composites.
Visitors can listen to Frederic Sicard, a technical specialist at Jaguar Land Rover, discuss the use of sustainable composites in automotive and low-emission UK production. As a specialist in process and composite materials, his talk will have a strong focus on navigating the complexities of the industry’s supply chain, where efficiency and resourcefulness are key to getting ahead.
Aerospace, defence and satellite engineering
On the Aerospace, Defence and Satellite Engineering Stage, leading experts from the aerospace and defence sector will demonstrate how to turn innovation into results. Expect insights, strategies and case studies in lightweight design, propulsion and digitalisation, among other next-generation tools and skills to navigate this space.
Nichola Bates, managing director for ventures and innovation at Boeing, is a key speaker in this sector who knows how to turn strategy into execution. With extensive experience in international business development and insights into one of the world’s largest aerospace corporations, she has the background and network to address the sector’s current trends.
Simon Farnfield, event director for Advanced Engineering, said: “A pivotal aspect of our exhibition is hearing the voices of the industry. This year’s conferences are split across five stages, with contributors allocated to unique and relevant themes. Absorbing the knowledge that these experts have to offer is what events like Advanced Engineering are all about.
“Coming together and learning from each other is the best way for the industry to grow. Every forum is certified by the CPD Group, which allows attendees to further advance their knowledge and career. This provides an opportunity to develop chartered engineers and keep professionals up to date with ongoing trends.”
To be a part of Advanced Engineering UK 2025, secure your ticket here.
