CHEMUK’s remit runs wider than the laboratory but includes a specific focus upon it, linking what happens at the bench with industrial end results.
“From the plant engineer searching for advanced process technologies, to the health and safety manager focused on regulatory excellence, from the R&D scientist exploring new chemistries, to the laboratory manager upgrading analytical capabilities, and the supply chain manager strengthening supplier networks – CHEMUK creates a focused environment to connect, collaborate and do business efficiently.”
Promo aside, the stats for CHEMUK speak for themselves: 5,200 attendees, 550 exhibitors and 150 speakers expected so far with still another two months to go.
The value of a trade show, however, lies not just in the numbers but the demographic. Supporters of the exhibition and conference include heavyweight organisations from industry and government: Defra, IChemE, Chemical Business Association, the Home Office, Royal Society of Chemistry, UKRI and HSE, to name a few.
There is also a range of top brand names including BASF, Unilever, Shell, Ineos, Dow, BP, AstraZeneca and Tata Steel.
But the key question is, what is of value for the laboratory and science professional attending?
CHEMUK invites comparison with another key show, Lab Innovations. Both are now run by organiser Easyfairs, which took over CHEMUK from the show’s founder and driving force Ian Stone last year.
Parked at opposite ends of the NEC calendar, the two events are complementary rather than duplicates: while Lab Innovation’s focus is on the laboratory in all its forms, CHEMUK runs across the chemical supply chain, encompassing production, engineering and formulation, including raw materials, manufacturing, logistics and regulation.
Other events may focus more singly upon R&D or tech innovation, while CHEMUK emphasises process design, scaling up and efficient production beyond the confines of the laboratory alone. Operational compliance looms large too, with regular contributions from the likes of HSE and REACH.
It’s an opportunity then to share knowledge with end users and those involved with the downstream phase of research breakthroughs and development. There’s more, however, namely a particular focus on the laboratory.
The event is divided into five zones: Chemicals Supply, Chemicals Management, Process & Chemical Engineering, Formulated Product Manufacturer – and, most relevant, the Chemical Laboratory Zone.
A relative newcomer, the lab zone was introduced in 2024 and marked the growing significance of this section within the wider industry.
The organisers describe it as being designed for laboratory and analytical scientists, research, development and formulation chemists, as well as laboratory, technical and procurement managers “seeking innovative solutions and trusted partners”.
Therefore, an opportunity for science professionals to discover specialist lab chemicals and equipment suppliers supporting R&D, analysis, process design and development, scale-up and quality testing.
Among the specifically referenced areas of activity are:
- Synthesis of compounds
- Analytical chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Materials chemistry
- Chemical safety and toxicology
- Environmental chemistry
- Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Research and development
- Innovation and exploration of new chemical reactions, materials and applications.
To find more about the products and services represented, go to bit.ly/chemlabzone.
Another element of the event is of course the extensive speaker and sessions programme. As Laboratory News went to print, the full conference programme was due to go live online on the CHEMUK website.
However, early details of participants in the overall programme included multi-session stakeholder programmes involving the likes of the RSC, IChemE, IMechE, UK Government, Henry Royce Institute, CBA and BCA.
Those especially interested in innovation and the cutting edge of tech will find a particular focus on lab R&D, the innovation ecosystem and disruptive technology – angled on the chemicals sector but with obvious applications beyond
Keynote presentations include major suppliers such as Lanxess, Merck, Nouryon and BASF. There will also be sessions assessing specific areas of ongoing concern, notably UK REACH regulations, decarbonisation, energy transition, green chemistry/ digitalisation and AI, risk assessment and PFAS. Regulatory compliance will also loom large.
In addition, those especially interested in innovation and the cutting edge of tech will find a particular focus on lab R&D, the innovation ecosystem and disruptive technology – angled on the chemicals sector but with obvious applications beyond.
Attendance at CHEMUK 2026 is free for industry professionals. The show runs from 9.30am to 5pm on 20 May and 9.30am to 4pm on 21 May.
Details on travel, parking and accommodation can be found on the website, with more information updates expected in the run up to the event.
- CHEMUK 2026 | Hall 5, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 20-21 May
