As a UK-based CNC engineering specialist, we’re always on the lookout for ways to stay ahead in precision machining, subcontract manufacturing, and innovative component solutions. That’s why the whole Sotek team made the trip to Southern Manufacturing and Electronics 2026 earlier this month (3-5 February at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre). We spent a full day at the show, and it was genuinely energising to see the industry buzzing with so much activity.

For those who don’t know us yet: Sotek Engineering was founded in 2017 by Steve Brown and Oliver Cumbers, and we’ve built our reputation on delivering high-quality subcontract CNC machining, CNC milling, CNC turning, design support, reverse engineering, and reliable break-fix solutions. We serve a wide range of demanding sectors including automotive and motorsport, medical, oil & gas, aerospace & defence, nuclear, and even space projects. Our focus is always on precision, superb standards, quick response times, and going the extra mile for customers who need bespoke, high-value components they can trust.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is the perfect event for a company like ours. Held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, this year’s edition was a record-breaker, with over 10,700 visitors and 571 exhibitors across three packed days. It really is the South’s leading industrial gathering and a vital meeting point for the UK’s manufacturing and electronics communities.

We spent the day walking the halls, catching up with long-standing contacts, and discovering new faces across the supply chain. It was fantastic to see so many others in the industry, fellow precision engineers, component suppliers, tooling specialists, and electronics innovators, all in one place. The atmosphere was collaborative and forward-looking, with plenty of hands-on demonstrations and real conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing UK manufacturing right now.

What stood out most was the sheer range of new technologies on display. From the latest advances in CNC machinery and automation to cutting-edge electronics integration, additive manufacturing techniques, and smart production solutions, there was something inspiring around every corner. We had some great discussions about emerging machining capabilities, materials innovations, and how digital tools are helping deliver even tighter tolerances and faster lead times. It’s exactly the kind of insight that helps us keep pushing the boundaries for our own customers in aerospace, motorsport, medical, and beyond.

Of course, events like this are also about people. We loved reconnecting with industry peers, sharing experiences, and hearing how others are navigating supply-chain pressures, skills development, and the drive toward more sustainable production. It reminded us why we love what we do, being part of a resilient, innovative UK manufacturing network that continues to deliver world-class engineering.

A huge thank you to the organisers for putting on such a strong show. If you were there too, we hope you had as productive and enjoyable a day as we did.

Here at Sotek Engineering, we’re already applying some of the ideas and connections from the event to our ongoing projects. Whether you need precision CNC milled or turned parts, reverse engineering support, design assistance, or urgent break-fix machining, we’re here to help, just as we always have been since 2017.

Got a project coming up? Drop us a line at info@sotekengineering.com or call 01626 830398. We’d love to hear from you.