Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, 11-13 February 2020

The show is a great place to source machine building components, especially as its SME-friendly format encourages participation from specialist suppliers of hard-to-find components and subassemblies. Examples include hydraulic components, sensors and anti-vibration components. However, the sheer scale of the event also ensures the big brands are there too - igus UK, HepcoMotion and Henkel Loctite, to name just a few. There is also a fantastic selection of machining centres from big-name manufacturers, tooling and every kind of workshop essential and consumable. Not to mention hundreds of specialist engineering services, from fabrication to custom industrial network cabling.

Free seminars

But for many visitors, an equally important aspect of the show is its highly-regarded free seminar programme, which in itself provides a solid reason for attending the show. Running in two lecture theatres over all three days of the show, the 33 sessions announced so far cover a wide-ranging agenda, from advanced materials, additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0 to real-world examples of business transformation and Lean. The seminar programme gives delegates the opportunity to gain insight at the very highest level into many of the biggest issues facing industry today. All sessions are completely free to attend and open to all visitors to the show.

Award-winning author of Staying Lean, creator of the Lean Iceberg Model and partner at SA Partners, Gary Griffiths, will discuss how organisations have successfully delivered results for their business by embedding and sustaining Lean & Continuous Improvement. Popular presenter Ailsa Carson of Onsite Insights gives examples of best practice in manufacturing through ten, real-world case studies. Kevin Askew of GoPrint3D reviews the Additive Manufacturing Landscape and the applications of the technology, from prototype to end-use parts. Steven Barr and Ravi Gidoomal of Edge Digital Manufacturing discuss how to develop a digital roadmap for your business and identify the right digital technologies to maximise value.

Mark Knowlton from Locate in Kent will present Delivering Industry 4.0 - an examination of how SMEs can benefit from embracing digital manufacturing. In 4.0 The Quality Revolution, Mike John of The Sempre Group looks at how British Industry must evolve its quality control in a global competitive market. Nick Aitken and Dr Alex Martin of the RINA take a look at Counterfeit components and product compliance challenges, while Dr Chris Robertson discusses Life after Brexit - What next in trade relations and product regulation. Mike Foster, managing director of The CE Marking Association will explore another aspect of the post-Brexit landscape in CE Marking 2020 and Beyond - How the changes will affect all manufacturers.

A complete listing of sessions can be found at https://www.industrysouth.co.uk/book-free-seminars/; registration is free.

Farnborough International Conference and Exhibition Centre offers free car parking for 3500 vehicles and is well-served by road and public transport links. A regular free shuttle bus service operates from both of Farnborough's mainline railway stations directly to the show. The venue itself offers a high standard of facilities including a free WiFi service in the foyer area and high-quality catering outlets.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2020 opens from 11 to 13 February. Admission to the show is free. More information and tickets are available from www.industrysouth.co.uk.