Constructionshows
The concrete industry is one of the most exciting sectors in construction; constantly evolving, innovating and trail-blazing – the opportunities for growth are significant. This year, the UK Concrete Show will return to Birmingham’s NEC from 26 to 27 February and offers a unique opportunity for professionals to network, share best practice and do business.
Located in Hall 17, it’s the only exhibition dedicated to the UK’s concrete sector and visitors will have direct access to the concrete industry’s biggest names and be introduced to many new businesses exhibiting for the first time. From admixtures and test equipment to pumps and volumetric trucks, there are 140 exhibitors under one roof. To make better use of your time, you can plan your schedule easily by browsing the exhibitor list at: www.concreteshow.co.uk/exhibitors.
Register for your free visitor ticket at: www.concreteshow.co.uk/register. Visiting is easy with excellent rail and road links, and parking at the venue is provided by the organiser – just follow the signs for UK Concrete Show Parking as you enter the NEC complex.
This year there’s more content than ever before:
Find Your Community
The go-to networking facility for industry connections and support. This dedicated space showcases partner organisations including: The Concrete Society; Institute of Concrete Technology; ACIFC; Structural Concrete Alliance; Institute of Quarrying; British Aggregates Association; The Graphene Council; and the Drilling & Sawing Association.
Emerging Talent Awards
Young talent is critical to ensure an inclusive, innovative and sustainable future for the industry. Join us to recognise the achievements of those in the early stages of their careers in the sector, as we celebrate the top five individuals who have made a positive contribution to the industry.
New Product Award
This year’s show also introduces the New Product Hub, a feature gallery highlighting the latest and best releases from our exhibitors over the past 18 months. Use a token given to you as you enter the show to vote for your favourite product.
Concrete Connect Seminar Theatre
The theatre has been expanded to 30 speakers; broadcaster Susannah Streeter returns to host six sessions spanning over two days. Gain invaluable insights and join the debate with each session concluding with a panel and live Q&A with the audience. Full seminar listings including timings can be found at concreteshow.co.uk/seminars with a session preview below:
Wednesday 26 February
10:25–12:30 Sustainable concrete solutions for a greener tomorrow – As the industry moves towards the net-zero 2050 goal, lower-carbon concrete is a priority. This session explores: key technologies driving decarbonisation across the UK cement and concrete sector; the importance of collaboration across the supply and contractor chain if targets are to be achieved; and shines a spotlight on the latest research projects creating innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow.
13:00–14:00 Graphene in concrete: performance, sustainability and commerciality – Hosted by The Graphene Council and featuring the latest advancements in graphene-enhanced concrete technology. This session will include presentations from industry leaders Versarien and Concretene, showcasing their commercially developed solutions.
14:00–14:25 Digitalisation spotlight – Digitalisation of ready-mixed concrete is now a reality with collaboration between the contractor and producer allowing optimisation of mix designs to meet performance criteria, while reducing the overall carbon value of the concrete. In this session, we will discuss the delivery of CEVO Digital and Tarmac’s first trial of MixAI with Getjar on a Mace project known as Belgrove House in King’s Cross.
15:00–16:20 Repair and maintenance: protecting our built heritage – From concrete scanning, structural applications and injection techniques to waterproofing systems and repair mortars, the management of concrete repair and maintenance is being increasingly driven by sustainability. Whether it’s addressing deterioration in infrastructure, industrial flooring, or other assets, expertise in concrete care can help maintain and extend the life of our built environment.
Thursday 27 February
10:30–11:30 Ready for the revolution: from drive-throughs to eMixers The ready-mixed concrete sector is undergoing a revolution as innovation delivers greater productivity and more sustainable, lower-carbon outcomes. Find out about the latest ‘drive-through’ technology that can offer more bespoke self-service solutions. Discover how major producer Tarmac is leading the electrification charge by overcoming the barriers holding back the widespread adoption of eMixers.
11:45–12:50 Spotlights Session – Developed by Imperial College, find out: about Kiacrete – a new puddle-free pavement technology embracing the challenges of climate change; understand the benefits of using sophisticated liquid systems; and attract new customers for your business with invaluable tips from a digital marketing consultancy.
13:00–14:00 Digital monitoring and measurement of fresh concrete – The adoption of digital measurement and monitoring can provide improved visibility and traceability to drive quality and productivity improvements and associated cost reductions. Reduction in plant/person interface adds safety benefits; reduced wastage and efficient use of resources bring sustainability benefits. Digital monitoring systems provide the real-time measurement and recording of fresh concrete properties such as temperature, air content and consistence. These calibrated, digital systems may also be capable of adjusting concrete properties such as the addition of water or admixtures to correct consistence. Hosted by the CEO of The Concrete Society, Claire Ackerman, this session will share and discuss the latest guidance from the Concrete Society and i3P.
14:10–15:30 Attracting and retaining talent: education, training, and the power of people/Emerging Talent Awards Presentation – How businesses can attract, train and retain the next generation of concrete professionals is essential for your business to prosper and successfully meet the growing challenges of sustainability and digitalisation. The ICT provides an industry perspective on the training and qualifications available to enhance your career prospects. Culture Kick stresses the importance of creating the right culture for young people to thrive in. Finally, the opportunities available through the recently launched Student and Young Professional Network (ICT SYPro) are espoused.
The Concrete Society Awards Gallery
Celebrate excellence in the use of concrete through a photographic display of the 2024 award-winning projects.
Keep up to speed with all the latest show developments at: concreteshow.co.uk.
Source; UK Concrete Show