Qimtek Ltd has announced it will once again host the Supply Chain Lounge at SUBCON 2026, taking place at NEC Birmingham on 3–4 June 2026.
SUBCON is the UK’s leading subcontract manufacturing supply chain exhibition, bringing together engineering buyers and specialist suppliers from across sectors including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy and precision engineering.
Following the success of last year’s event, Qimtek’s Supply Chain Lounge will once again provide a dedicated space where buyers and suppliers can meet, network, and explore new manufacturing partnerships in a relaxed environment.
Meet the Supplier Networking Lunch
As part of the lounge experience, Qimtek will host its popular ‘Meet the Supplier’ Networking Lunch, offering structured introductions between buyers and pre-qualified UK subcontract suppliers.
📍 Location: Supply Chain Lounge, SUBCON 2026 – NEC Birmingham
📅 Dates: 3–4 June 2026
⏰ Networking Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Each day, the Qimtek team expects to introduce 30 to 60 pre-qualified buyers to supplier members attending the event, creating a productive networking environment designed to generate real manufacturing opportunities.
Buyers attending the lounge will include companies with annual outsourcing requirements of £150,000+, ensuring meaningful conversations with decision-makers actively seeking new UK manufacturing partners.
A Proven Networking Environment
The Supply Chain Lounge proved highly successful at SUBCON 2025, with over 80 verified buyers visiting the lounge across the two-day event and numerous introductions already developing into ongoing supplier relationships.
For 2026, Qimtek will once again personally invite buyers from across a wide range of engineering sectors, including:
- Automotive & Motorsport
- Oil & Gas / Energy
- Medical & Healthcare Engineering
- Rail & Transport
- Electronics & Precision Engineering
- Marine & Offshore
- General Engineering & Fabrication
By targeting a diverse mix of industries, the lounge aims to deliver valuable opportunities for suppliers across multiple manufacturing disciplines.
Exclusive Exhibition Opportunities for Qimtek Members
Alongside the networking lounge, exclusive exhibition stands located directly beside the Supply Chain Lounge will be available for Qimtek members at discounted rates.
These premium stand positions allow suppliers to:
- Meet buyers during networking sessions
- Continue conversations at their exhibition stand
- Maximise visibility throughout the show
Suppliers will also have the opportunity to participate as guest suppliers during the networking lunches, giving them direct access to buyers actively looking to source subcontract manufacturing partners.
Supply Chain Lounge Partner Package
Companies participating in the lounge will benefit from extensive exposure before and during the event, including:
- Direct introductions to visiting buyers where possible
- Branding throughout the Supply Chain Lounge
- Inclusion in personalised invitations sent to Qimtek’s top UK buyers
- Promotion in email campaigns to over 5,000 subcontract buyers
- Social media promotion ahead of the event
- Marketing materials distributed to buyers visiting the lounge
Get in touch with [email protected] if you would like to find out more.
Comment from Qimtek
Dean Munkley, Membership Manager at Qimtek, said: “The Supply Chain Lounge is designed to make it easier for UK manufacturing buyers and subcontract suppliers to connect in a focused environment.
After the success we saw at SUBCON last year, we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026 by introducing even more qualified buyers to our supplier members and helping create valuable long-term manufacturing partnerships.”
Comment from SUBCON
Ben Watkins, Sales Director for Subcon said: “ We are delighted to welcome Qimtek back to Subcon 2026. The Supply Chain Lounge was a resounding success in 2025. We are looking forward to developing the offering for 2026, so we can match even more subcontract suppliers to manufacturing buyers”
About Qimtek
Qimtek is the UK’s largest online manufacturing marketplace, connecting buyers with subcontract engineering suppliers. Through its digital platform and industry events, Qimtek helps manufacturers streamline sourcing and build strong supply chain partnerships.
About SUBCON
SUBCON is the UK’s premier subcontract manufacturing supply chain show, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of engineering professionals each year to source suppliers, discover new technologies, and build industry relationships.