First dedicated civils trade show in UK for 20 years announced for ExCeL London

Britain’s civil engineering sector is set for its first dedicated trade show in over two decades this November, as the National Civils Show launches at ExCeL London with hundreds of exhibitors and a focus on future infrastructure

The UK’s civil engineering sector will see its first dedicated national trade show in more than two decades next week, with the launch of the National Civils Show at ExCeL London on 26–27 November 2025.

The event is being billed as a new meeting point for the infrastructure community, bringing together contractors, consultants, suppliers, policymakers and industry bodies to address the challenges and opportunities shaping Britain’s built environment.

Organisers say more than 165 companies have already signed up to exhibit, spanning construction technology, groundworks, transport, geotechnical solutions and environmental engineering. 

A conference programme featuring 50 CPD-accredited presentations is also confirmed, with speakers drawn from government, leading engineering consultancies, manufacturers and contractors.

The show will run alongside the National Drainage & Floodex Show in a co-located format, allowing visitors to move freely between the two. The aim is to provide a comprehensive showcase of solutions across civil and construction engineering, drainage, flood prevention and waterways management under one roof.

The launch comes at a time of renewed focus on infrastructure spending. The government has pledged £2.8 billion for flood defences, alongside commitments to increase investment in transport and energy networks. 

With issues such as digitalisation, sustainability and resilience at the forefront, organisers believe the show will provide a timely platform for debate and collaboration.

Key features will include a dedicated SuDS Theatre focusing on sustainable drainage systems, a pavilion hosted by the Environmental Industries Association to highlight innovation, and networking sessions designed to connect decision-makers across the supply chain.

Industry support has been confirmed from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Southern), the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transport, National Highways, the National Association of Drainage Contractors, the Environmental Industries Association, the Pipeline Industries Guild and the Worshipful Company of Engineers, as well as media partners Plant Planet and Demolition Spotlight.

Paul Shelley, event director for the National Civils Show, said the exhibition would provide “a much-needed platform for the sector—bringing everyone together under one roof to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and celebrate engineering excellence. Whether you’re a contractor, consultant, supplier or policymaker, this is the must-attend event of the year for civil infrastructure.”

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