Other Events October & November 2026
Additive Manufacturing: A Growth Opportunity for Every Business
Friday, 16 October | 10:00 BST | Online | Free
Is 3D printing “not for us”? That’s a common assumption by many UK businesses.
Additive manufacturing is the least adopted advanced digital technology in the UK. Fewer than 1 in 10 SMEs use it, and the UK trail both the EU and the US.
Join us, the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Greater Manchester, for a free 45-minute webinar (followed by a 15-minute Q&A session) on the real business case for additive manufacturing. This session is targeted at a mixed audience: engineers, technicians, designers, and managers.
What we’ll cover:
• The real economic opportunity and the UK adoption gap
• Real case studies across different sectors, from jet engines to marketing
• What separates the businesses that succeed with AM from the ones that don’t
• The role of skills and how to close the skills gap
• Practical first steps your business can take right away
Whether you’re on the workshop floor or in the boardroom, you’ll leave with a clear view of what this technology could do for you.
Register here.
North West Additive Manufacturing Forum
22 October / 09:00 – 12:00
Engineering & Innovation Centre (EIC) Ulan, Fylde Road, Preston
Following the success of our panel discussion in June, this member exclusive event will bring together industry experts and drivers of AM technologies, to share their thoughts on the key topics of skills and qualification, and the existing barriers to scaling additive manufacturing.
Hosted by the AMRC’s head of additive manufacturing Dr Evren Yasa, the session will give members the opportunity to hear from Leonardo UK, the University of Lancashire and a global aerospace OEM, as they share exclusive insights and experiences of their AM journey to date, with a specific focus on skills and qualification. We’ll also cast a forward look, discussing anticipated future trends and how FE, HE, local support initiatives and clusters such as the NWAMF can contribute to overcoming current challenges and bridging existing gaps.
Breakfast and coffees will be provided before the session, and there will also be multiple opportunities for networking with fellow members and stakeholders.
Register here
Northern Automotive Alliance to support IMechE Advancing Automotive Engineering 2026
The Northern Automotive Alliance is delighted to support the upcoming Advancing Automotive Engineering 2026 summit (4-5 November 2026, Warwick, UK).
Organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and its members, the event brings together over 150 engineers to share expertise, expand their network and take back fresh insights from colleagues across four distinct streams:
- Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Conference and Exhibition: explore the latest developments in thermal management for electrified, hybrid and conventional vehicles, including battery thermal management, powertrain cooling, cabin comfort, heat pumps, simulation and energy efficiency
- Hydrogen Propulsion and ICE: stay up to date with the latest developments in hydrogen internal combustion engine technology, including engine operation, control, and integration, supported by case studies from industry, academia, and research.
- Electrified Vehicle Engineering 2026: covering latest technical developments and insights into the engineering challenges associated with bringing battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles to market.
- International Conference on Turbochargers and Turbocharging: learn about the latest developments leading to enhanced performance and efficiency, increased durability and reduced emissions, with input from researchers, OEMs, suppliers and academia.
Hear from over 70 speakers across two days, including keynote presentations from Bentley Motors, Stellantis, IHI Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, JCB, MAHLE Powertrain, Perkins Engines, Longbow and many others: view the full agenda online.
If you are in any way involved in the future of automotive technology, take this opportunity to meet colleagues from across the industry in person and take back fresh insights and opportunities to collaborate at this year’s event.
Discount available: Our members and contacts can save £100 to attend and benefit from the updates, guidance, insights and networking: simply use code SUPPORTER100 when booking or contact the IMechE at training@imeche.org.
International Trade Week
9 – 23 November
International Trade Week is back
Whether you’re exploring export opportunities for the first time or looking to expand your international presence, International Trade Week (ITW) 2026 can help you take your business further.
It is led by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) and sponsored by Santander UK. ITW brings together businesses, trade experts, investors and industry leaders for a week of practical support, expert insights and valuable connections to help you succeed in global markets.
Webinar – Hosted by Wilson Gunn
18 November / 15:00 – 16:00
Protecting automotive design through registered designs
The appearance of a vehicle can be just as valuable as the technology it incorporates. Registered designs provide an effective means of protecting the visual aspects of automotive products, helping businesses safeguard distinctive styling, components, and user-facing features from imitation.
In this webinar, Henry Shine will explore how registered design protection can be used within the automotive sector, what types of designs can be protected, and the practical benefits that registered designs can offer. Drawing on examples from across the industry, Henry will highlight how design protection can be used to secure valuable intellectual property rights covering everything from vehicle exteriors and interior features to individual components and accessories. Henry will also explain how registered designs can help businesses build up robust protection for signature visual elements that define their products and brand identity over time, including across new product launches and design updates.
This 45-minute webinar is ideal for professionals in engineering, product development, design, or IP management working within the automotive sector, particularly those involved in the development of new vehicle designs, components, or user experiences.
