For UK and European suppliers of furniture components, materials, and manufacturing technologies, the Furniture Component Expo 2026 is the premier event to amplify brand and product visibility, connect directly with active buyers and decision-makers, and fast-track commercial growth.
Taking place on 11–12th March at the Telford International Centre, the Expo stands as the only dedicated platform in the UK focused on the full spectrum of the furniture supply chain – from raw materials and advanced machinery to finishes, fasteners, and digitisation solutions.
Key benefits for exhibitors
Exhibiting at FCE 2026 delivers clear, measurable advantages:
Direct access to high-value buyers: The Expo’s visitor profile is tightly focused – floor traffic includes owners, directors, lead buyers, and production heads from the UK’s most influential manufacturers of furniture, cabinetry, bedding, and interiors. In 2025, 50% of exhibitors were new, drawn by the event’s reputation as the gateway to meaningful business connections.
Accelerated deal-making: The one-stop-shop format enables exhibitors to hold productive in-person meetings, showcase product demos, and close sales that are difficult to achieve through digital channels alone. “A very good show covering all aspects of the furniture industry ... one of the most useful and cost-effective solutions to promoting our name in the wider sector,” confirmed Plasfoils, reflecting on strong engagement and sales pipeline growth at FCE 2025.
Brand positioning and product launches: FCE is leveraged as a UK launchpad. Companies like Blum, Lectra, Leggett & Platt, Spinks, and Vita Group used the 2025 show to introduce new technologies – from micro-pocket springs and graphite-infused foams to recycled-content fabrics and digitised manufacturing solutions. The Innovation Trail and seminar stage provide core opportunities for exhibitors to demonstrate industry leadership.
Powerful media and market coverage: Official partnerships with leading trade media ensure broad pre-, during-, and post-event amplification. The event’s review rate – over 80% of 2025 exhibitors rebooked for 2026 – highlights the value of sustained exposure and relationship building with the BFA and sector publications.
Sustainability and awards recognition: The FCE’s Future of Furniture awards are now recognised as the hallmark for sustainability and training excellence in the sector – spotlighting British Furniture Association (BFA) members that lead in responsible manufacturing and skills development. Join the Association and get a discount on exhibition space.
How does FCE compare to other furniture supply chain trade shows?
FCE stands out by being the only dedicated UK trade event focused exclusively on the furniture components and supply chain sector. Unlike broader trade fairs that cover a wide range of furniture styles, retail, or interiors at large, FCE drills deep into the technical and supply side of furniture manufacturing – from machinery, hardware, timber, and upholstery materials to digital production systems.
This focus attracts a highly specialised visitor audience – the people responsible for purchasing, product innovation, and production decisions in manufacturing environments. Exhibitors benefit from quality interactions with relevant buyers rather than generalised footfall.
Moreover, FCE’s timing in early March positions it ahead of major design shows and international fairs, making it an ideal launchpad for innovations specific to the UK and European markets focused on manufacturing efficiencies, compliance, and green credentials.
The event’s curated format ensures that suppliers can not only present products but also demonstrate thought leadership and build strategic partnerships.
Exhibitors spotlighting sustainability innovations, digital advancements, and new product lines find FCE uniquely effective for increasing their market footprint.
Strategic audience & networking
Exhibiting unlocks direct dialogue with the people who matter: key decision-makers and technical heads seeking the latest supplier partnerships, solutions for compliance and margin resilience, and innovation-driven growth.
Feedback from past years confirms FCE’s visitor pool is “open to suggestions ... ready to discuss opportunities with new and established suppliers,” making it an ideal forum for networking, business matchmaking, and long-term relationship building.
What types of companies should exhibit at the Expo?
FCE is designed for all companies involved in the manufacture and supply of furniture components and related technologies. This includes:
- Suppliers of raw materials such as timber, upholstery fabrics, and foam.
- Manufacturers of hardware (hinges, fasteners), mechanical components (springs, motors), and precision tooling.
- Machinery and software providers specialising in production automation, CNC cutting, and design software.
- Companies offering finishing systems, adhesives, coatings, and eco-friendly innovations.
- Service providers and technology firms delivering digitisation solutions, compliance support, and logistics services.
The Expo draws both established industry leaders – such as Blum, Leggett & Platt, and Carpenter – and emerging suppliers bringing novel, sustainability-driven products to market.
If a company’s products or services can impact furniture makers’ production efficiency, quality, sustainability targets, or profitability, exhibiting at FCE provides an excellent platform to build visibility and open doors to the key buyers who make operational and strategic decisions.
What happened in 2025 – results & successes
2025 was a landmark year for FCE, cementing it as a magnet for exhibitors and buyers alike. The event’s sharp growth in new exhibitor sign-ups – nearly half attending for the first time – drove a record number of innovative launches and new supplier relationships.
The expo proved highly successful in showcasing market-leading innovations and achieving exhibitor ROI. Peak Converters, for example, leveraged the event to highlight its Peak Pocket foam system, which incorporates recycled plastic bottles and chemical-free glues. The company shared real-time data during the show, reporting over 297,000 recycled bottles used, drawing significant attention to their sustainability credentials.
Spinks demonstrated the emerging potential of micro-pocket springs, which deliver superior comfort and durability – features increasingly demanded by manufacturers looking to differentiate their seating and bedding ranges. This technology reflects broader consumer trends toward longer-lasting, sustainable furniture.
Enkev and Handy showcased circular and biodegradable materials, essential innovations as the sector faces increasing environmental regulations. Lectra used the platform to present its Industry 4.0 digital cutting and design systems, underlining the Expo’s role in connecting tech with traditional manufacturing.
Feedback from exhibitors like Plasfoils and PCD Tooling Solutions emphasised the value in face-to-face discussions and discovering new product ideas – with many confirming they secured new customers or expanded existing relationships as a direct result of the Expo.
The event also celebrated sustainability leadership with the Future of Furniture Awards, highlighting companies like Harrison Spinks and Fibreline for their excellence in environmental and training initiatives.
Industry innovators & launches
Exhibitors such as Peak Converters, Spinks, Carpenter, Enkev, Handy, Fibre Components, Plasfoils, and Vita Group used the 2025 Expo to unveil new, sustainability-driven products and digital solutions.
Peak Converters attracted attention with its flagship Peak Pocket using recycled bottles – 297,284 bottles repurposed during the show – and showcased greener adhesives and foams.
Spinks demonstrated the growing potential for micro-pocket spring technology in seating and bed systems, underlining differentiation through comfort, airflow, and longevity.
- Leggett & Platt introduced nanocoil tech and teased future mergers of foam and spring innovations.
- Carpenter launched graphite-infused Aurora foams, pushing for increased airflow and durability.
- Enkev emphasised circular, biodegradable materials, exploring new markets traditionally underexposed to their eco portfolio (e.g., upholstery).
- Handy focused on green adhesives and all-natural, FSC-certified mattress materials.
- Fibre Components highlighted sustainable, FSC-certified boards and panels.
- Vita Group unveiled Origin (plant-based) and Orbis (closed-loop recycled) foams, demonstrating its commitment to next-generation sustainability.
These launches were met with strong buyer interest, rapid supply chain conversations, and a high return-on-investment for exhibitors. “It’s great to have all relevant suppliers in one place ... we found a new label supplier and innovative glue companies, too,” noted one major furniture brand visitor.
Press, partnerships & feedback
Coverage in sector-leading titles and the BFA’s investment cemented FCE’s reputation. More than 80% of exhibitors immediately rebooked for 2026. As Phil Spademan, BFA Managing Director, noted: “We have provided an event that has been both useful and productive for manufacturers and suppliers. This year, we achieved an 80% rebook rate – a clear testament to the value and ROI the Expo delivers.”
How to Maximise Your Results in 2026
- Plan early: Secure your preferred stand position and highlight your launches in the pre-show media push.
- Leverage seminar theatre: Book demo slots, keynote sessions, or participate on panels – these platforms drive engagement and position your brand as a thought leader.
- Maximise networking: Prepare targeted meeting lists and take advantage of matchmaking facilities.
- Showcase innovations: Use the Innovation Trail and live demo slots to attract proactive buyers.
- Engage post-show: Follow up on leads quickly – many buyers attend with definite purchase plans.
Next steps & how to book
The business case for FCE 2026 is clear: reach a focused, decision-making audience, grow pipeline, and benchmark against top innovators in the sector – while benefiting from strong media and association support.
Visit www.fcexpo.co.uk to request the 2026 exhibitor brochure, see the exhibitor list, secure your stand, and learn more about sponsorship and product demo opportunities.
