Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber hosts third annual Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo

The third annual Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo, sponsored by Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber, delivered by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn Rotherham, brought together over 150 business owners and delegates from across South Yorkshire to connect, collaborate, and support the growth of the region’s manufacturing sector.

The Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo provided a practical environment for buyer–supplier networking, product demonstrations and knowledge exchange across the manufacturing supply chain.

Attendees explored new products and solutions and discussed shared challenges around productivity, skills, sustainability and digital transformation. The event reinforced the importance of resilient, regionally based supply chains amid ongoing economic and operational pressures.

The event welcomed Professor Keith Jackson CEng CDir, the Master Cutler of Hallamshire, as a distinguished guest, underlining the strategic importance of manufacturing to the Rotherham and Barnsley region. Commenting on the expo, Professor Jackson said:

“It was great hearing local companies talk about backing local producers across our manufacturing sector at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo in Rotherham.”

A key highlight of the morning programme was the session ‘Unlocking Made Smarter: Grants, Skills and Expert Support for SME Manufacturers’. Delivered by Vernon Tolson, South Yorkshire Made Smarter Advisor, the presentation outlined practical support available through the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber programme, including expert advice, fully funded skills and leadership training, digital internships, and matched grant funding for Industry 4.0 projects, helping SMEs invest in digital technologies to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Exhibitors represented engineering services, digital systems, environmental compliance, energy, logistics, marketing, training and apprenticeships, and advanced manufacturing, demonstrating the depth of capability within South Yorkshire’s supply chain and the growing relevance of the expo year on year.

Reflecting on the success of the third annual event, Shane Young, Operations Director at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said:

“We were delighted with the response to this year’s expo. The strong attendance and the level of engagement throughout the morning showed how valuable this event has become for our manufacturing community. Seeing local suppliers and manufacturers building meaningful connections highlights the important role the expo plays in supporting growth and strengthening the regional supply chain.”

Free to attend and open to manufacturers and suppliers across the region, the Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo 2026 delivered value through insight, connections and opportunity. As the event continues to grow in scale and reputation, it remains an established date in the South Yorkshire manufacturing calendar for businesses looking to raise their profile, build partnerships and support the long‑term success of the sector.

For more information about the Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo or to enquire about future events, contact [email protected].

Manufacturers and suppliers to the built environment can register now for the Meet the Buyer Construction Expo 2026 to connect with contractors and procurement teams.

Register your place: https://www.brchamber.co.uk/event/meet-the-buyer-construction-expo-2026/