• • • NEWS • • •
RECORD ATTENDANCE MARKS BIGGEST AEMT CONFERENCE YET A
record number of delegates gathered in Manchester for the biggest Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) Conference to date, bringing the electrical and mechanical repair sector together for a day of technical insight, networking and discussion about the industry’s future.
Held at the Concorde Conference Centre on 24 September, AEMT Conference 2026 attracted almost 300 delegates and more than 30 exhibitors. The programme focused on three themes: Collaborate, Innovate and Educate. Opening the conference, AEMT Director General Thomas Marks called on members to support the Association’s Right to Repair campaign. He highlighted cases where repairable equipment was replaced because of restrictions on access to software, spare parts and diagnostic information.
He also announced that the AEMT had commissioned research to quantify the economic and environmental value of repair, including its contribution to employment, turnover, domestic growth and emissions reductions. Members were encouraged to submit case studies to support the research.
Opening keynote speaker Professor David Greenfield, a member of the UK Government’s Circular Economy Taskforce, reinforced the sector’s role in the circular economy. He explained how maintenance, repair, rewinding, refurbishment and remanufacturing extend equipment life while retaining materials and embedded value.
He encouraged businesses to measure the wider benefits of repair, including materials retained, carbon saved and downtime avoided. Commenting on the event, Professor Greenfield said: “It was a great conference; the buzz and expertise in the room were brilliant. Thank you for the invitation to open the conference of what is already a very Circular Sector!”
Time to talk
The exhibition area provided opportunities for delegates to reconnect with industry contacts and discuss business challenges. Early feedback highlighted the value of bringing service companies, engineers, suppliers and students together, with exhibitors reporting productive conversations and new contacts. Chris Powles of Innomotics, who exhibited and joined the apprenticeship panel, said: “It was an excellent day, great venue, insightful discussions and the opportunity to network with old and new faces within the industry.”
Ideas for the industry Technical sessions explored the shift from reactive maintenance towards predictive and prescriptive strategies, advanced repair techniques and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in machine engineering.
Delegates also heard an update on the proposed amalgamation of the AEMT and EASA Region 9. The proposal could retain the AEMT’s existing UK activities while providing access to wider technical support, training, engineering
data and international resources. Any amalgamation remains subject to a member vote and further due diligence, legal and governance work.
Developing the next generation Skills development featured prominently, with an apprenticeship panel bringing together industry representatives to discuss their career journeys and the challenges employers face when recruiting apprentices.
Local students attending through Unifrog also had the opportunity to meet industry professionals and explore career opportunities. Discussions during the event led to some students considering potential summer internships with AEMT members.
In his closing remarks, Thomas Marks revealed that training was the biggest request identified in the AEMT’s workforce survey. In response, the Association committed to delivering the practical element of its motor repair course next year. A Women in Engineering session, led by AEMT Junior Vice President Kirstie Davies, brought women from across the sector together to discuss workforce survey findings and progress since the previous conference. A follow-up mentoring and networking event is planned at member Hayley 24/7’s offices on 10 March 2027.
Asking the right questions Olympic champion Chris Boardman CBE closed the formal programme with a keynote on innovation and high-performing teams, drawing on his experience in elite sport and British Cycling. He highlighted the importance of questioning established assumptions, defining problems before seeking solutions and bringing together people with different expertise. He also explained how involving people in experimentation and helping them understand the consequences of their choices can encourage greater engagement than simply presenting evidence and demanding change.
Delegates continued networking over food, drinks and live music beneath the Concorde aircraft.
Scott Haslam, General Manager at the AEMT, said: “I am delighted that we were able to deliver our best conference to date. Seeing repairers and rewinders collaborate with end-users is exactly what the AEMT exists to do. “The biggest highlight for me, though, was the students that came along. Attracting young people is one of the greatest challenges our industry faces, so watching them get their first look at the sector and engaging with our members was hugely encouraging. “Thank you to every sponsor, exhibitor, delegate,
speaker, and to the AEMT team. Next year, we will build on everything that made this conference a success and take it even further in 2027.”
www.theaemt.com
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2026 5
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