Celebrating the innovation shaping the future of UK manufacturing + engineering

Smart Manufacturing Week is the UK’s leading event for manufacturing technologies, solutions and suppliers, taking place 09–10 June 2027 at NEC Birmingham. Within the event, the Best of British Showcase is a dedicated celebration of UK manufacturing excellence, highlighting manufacturers, engineering businesses, innovations and achievements from across the sector.

The Best of British Showcase brings together ground-breaking designs, pioneering manufacturing methods and export successes that proudly champion UK innovation. From world first technologies to iconic engineering excellence, this is where Britain’s manufacturing and engineering story is told boldly, credibly and at scale.

Taking part is free of charge and reserved for UK manufacturers and engineering businesses. Places are by application and are not guaranteed.

Curated in partnership with The Manufacturer, the showcase features:

  • Finalists and winners from The Manufacturer MX Awards
  • Finalists and winners from The Manufacturer Top 100
  • Companies selected by The Manufacturer’s editorial team, chosen for their impact, ingenuity and leadership

Previous showcases have shone a spotlight on some of the most respected names in UK manufacturing and engineering, including LEVC Taxi, JLR, BMW MINI, MINI Heritage, Leonardo, Farm Urban, Aurrigo, Aston Martin, BAC Mono, Airbus and A-Safe. These organisations continue to push boundaries across automotive, aerospace, defence, food, automation and advanced engineering.

Featured at Smart Manufacturing Week 2026

Located across the Smart Manufacturing Week expos, the Best of British Showcase is open to 15,000+ senior manufacturing and engineering professionals, offering participants unparalleled visibility among decision makers, innovators and industry influencers.

Our 2027 participants will be announced here. Applications are now open.

Below are our Top Participants from 2026:

NiftyLift

NiftyLift - Winners of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Apprentice Automation Challenge, NiftyLift Is continuing the showcase’s tradition of recognising both established leaders and emerging talent. Showcasing their Automated Stirrer, a clever kitchen aid designed to make cooking easier through hands-free stirring. The product combines practical functionality with creative design, offering users adjustable speed settings and greater convenience for time-sensitive recipes.

Utopian Brewery

Utopian Brewing - We were proudly serving British-brewed beer at the Networking Party on Wednesday 3 June!
Utopian Brewing’s mission is simple: to celebrate incredible British lager. From their independent brewery in picturesque Devon they brew in a traditional way but with their own interpretations of classic styles, using only 100% British grown ingredients. Their beers contain just Water, Malt, Hops, Yeast and plenty of patience. And we think that’s just about as natural as it can be.

Bucher Municipal

Bucher Municipal - Recently crowned winner of the Product Innovation & Design category at The Manufacturer MX Awards, Bucher Municipal will be displaying their EV sweeper ‘MaxPowa V65e’ on Stand C184. Bucher Municipal has been producing only the highest quality municipal machinery for over 200 years. Driven by change, ensuring clean and safe environments, and embedding continuous improvement into everything they do - their rich history of specialised engineering solutions has led to improved technology, better solutions, and has always been driven by a focus on quality and reliability.

Wenlock Spring

Official Hydration Partner of SMW 2026: Wenlock Spring - A leading, family owned British bottled water company based in Shropshire, England, that has been operating since 1989. Situated near the historic Wenlock Edge, a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the company bottles high-quality, naturally filtered spring water that has been used since 1086. All its customers are extremely important to the business, from local coffee shops and restaurants, to corporate clients. 

wenlock spring

Evtec Automotive

Evtec Automotive - Recently crowned winner of the Equity Diversity & Inclusion category at The Manufacturer MX Awards, Evtec Automotive is a Tier One supplier, recognised for the manufacture & assembly of automotive components, in addition to vast aftermarket fulfilment capability. Evtec invests in UK engineering, with the recent launch of smart EV chargers. Their 160-strong workforce reflects their unique, inclusive values: 43% live with a disability, 41% of production roles are held by women, and our team represents many nationalities. These achievements demonstrate their belief that every individual brings unique talent and potential, regardless of background or barriers.

CBE

Capabilities Beyond Engineering - Marie Cooper, Group CEO of CBE+, was recognised as an ‘Inspiring Leader’ in the 2025 The Manufacturer Top 100 cohort.

About Marie:

“I’m passionate about making a difference – building a sustainable business with purpose and culture at its core at CBE+. … One of my proudest achievements is transforming five businesses into one forward-thinking, integrated company focused on operational excellence, sustainability and innovation. I’m driven by people, purpose and progress, and I’m committed to championing UK manufacturing as a dynamic, rewarding and future-focused industry.”

About CBE+:

CBE+ is a global leader in precision Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP), complemented by precision CNC machining and a range of specialist ancillary services. 

Interested in taking part?

Selected participants receive:

  • Pre-event promotion as part of Best of British Showcase marketing
  • Carpeted display space with Best of British branding and an information board
  • Complimentary VIP passes, including access to the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit

Participants are required to:

  • Arrange delivery of materials on Monday 7 or Tuesday 8 June 2027, depending on location

  • Arrange collection after the show closes on Thursday 10 June 2027

Participation is by application. Places are limited, and selections are made by The Manufacturer’s editorial team, so submitting an application does not guarantee a place.

Put your innovation centre stage and take your place among the very best of British manufacturing and engineering!

Sponsor the Best of British Showcase

Want to visibly stand behind UK manufacturing? Sponsoring the Best of British Showcase aligns your brand with some of the UK’s most successful and innovative industrial businesses. It’s about championing British industry and brand association, not lead generation.

Sponsors will receive:

  • Logo and strapline on showcase signage and wayfinding
  • Branding on this page, plus recognition in showcase marketing, show preview content and PR
  • The chance to put forward up to five companies for consideration in the showcase
  • A “Sponsor’s Choice” recognition for one participating company
  • An optional short video on why you support UK manufacturing, featured on this page

Limited to three sponsors and open to exhibitors and non-exhibitors. To discuss sponsoring, contact Enquiries@smartmanufacturingweek.co.uk.

Apply below to be considered for the Best of British Showcase.

Submitting this form is an application, not a registration. Places are not guaranteed, and we’ll be in touch once selections have been made.