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It is one year until the next FIT Show The Fabricator talked to event director Nickie West to get the latest on the run-up. Special correspondent Ed Humphreys asked the questions

Nickie West says: “We are in a really strong place right now. Exhibitor interest is building and new conversations  are happening all the time. We have a real sense that the industry sees FIT Show as the place to come together, do business and keep moving forward.”

We know that the industry is facing a lot of change, particularly around regulations. The question for the FIT Show what it can do to help the market navigate that.

“That’s absolutely one of the most important things we can do,”says West. “ There are some big regulatory updates coming through, and FIT Show is the perfect platform to bring those conversations in person and into one place. It’s timely, practical and relevant, and we want the show to help visitors and exhibitors understand what those changes mean in real terms, and how they can be transformed into opportunities.

“Exhibiting at FIT Show sends a clear signal to customers and the wider market that your business is stable, strong and ready to do business. In periods of global and economic uncertainty, that message is more valuable than ever.”

West told us that FIT is focussing more and more on installers. She says: “Because installers are such a vital part of the supply chain,we need a clear understanding of their business needs. FIT Show also needs to speak to housebuilders, developers, specifiers and architects, as well as the wider trade. If we really understand the different needs across the entire audience mix, then we can make the show much more valuable for everyone involved.
“We’re investing in targeted research to make sure we understand what each part of the audience needs, how they work and what brands need to do to connect with them successfully. It’s about making the show smarter, more relevant and more useful, so every part of the event reflects the real needs of the market and speaks to the people who influence specification and buying decisions.”

West says that in the present, challenging, political and economic climate, visibility matters more than ever. Brands need to stay connected with customers and with the wider market, and they need to show resilience and stability. She says: “Nothing beats face-to-face. It gives brands the chance to have real conversations, build relationships and demonstrate exactly what they offer. FIT Show is the best platform for suppliers to do that because it brings the right people together in one place, whether that’s installers, housebuilders, developers, specifiers, architects or other key decision-makers.”
According to West the event is continuing to develop features that make it as relevant and commercially useful as possible. Examples of this are the ‘Market Place’ which is now rebranded as ‘The Trade Counter. “This is a great example of that,” says West. “We are making sure every link in the supply chain is represented. The aim is to create a show that feels complete, connected and valuable for everyone who attends.

“Visitors can expect to see the full spectrum of products that make up the fenestration and wider building envelope market, from windows, doors and hardware through to software, technology and machinery. We’re also seeing real growth in areas like outdoor living, which continues to expand, and shading, which is increasingly relevant in the UK because of climate change and the rising need for smarter, more adaptable solutions.”
Timber is an area that is growing in both interest and prominence. It shows the the shift in the market toward more sustainable, high-performance solutions creating the opportunities for installers and manufacturers alike.

West says: “For installers in particular, FIT Show is a place to look for opportunities to broaden their portfolios. Alongside the products on show we’ll also have content designed to help visitors drive more profit and run better businesses. We know the current landscape remains challenging and business owners need practical ideas, solutions and products they can take away and use.

Another growing area for FIT is the international side of the show. West says: “It’s massive. There are so many untapped brands out there that offer a full spectrum of products. That creates a brilliant opportunity for FIT Show to deliver a truly international event that gives visitors access to a more diverse range of products and suppliers.

Helping exhibitors stand out at a busy show can be a challeng for the organisers. West says that they try to  get under the skin of what makes an exhibitor different and what a successful FIT Show is for them. “We really take exhibitors on the journey with us, from the moment they sign up to post-show” she says. “We are committed to delivering ROI. We are also focused on investing in features and in the way we present exhibitors so we can help them connect with the right people. It’s more than being present, it’s about making sure their story lands with the audience that matters, at every point in the campaign.
FIT Show NEC Birmingham from 18 - 20 May, 2027.

Article written by John Roper
28th May 2026

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