FIT Show 2025 sets new attendance records

FIT Show 2025 has firmly established itself as the UK fenestration industry’s must-attend event, delivering its biggest and most vibrant edition yet at Birmingham’s NEC.

Spanning four halls and drawing thousands of visitors, this year’s show has not only set new records for attendance but also raised the bar for innovation, networking, and sector collaboration.

Nickie West, FIT Show Director commented: “FIT Show 2025 performed strongly compared to 2023, with pre and onsite registrations increasing by 7% – no mean feat given the challenging backdrop the industry has, and continues to face.

Overall, attendance grew by 7.5%, with day one showing the most significant improvement at 13% more visitors than in 2023. We also experienced a notable rise in repeat visits on days two and three, reflecting that there’s now so much more to explore at the show. It’s clear that one day simply isn’t enough to take in everything FIT Show has to offer.”

Unprecedented Scale and Energy

With close to 300 brands and a significant number of first-time exhibitors from more than 20 countries, FIT Show 2025 offered a truly international showcase.

Visitor registrations surpassed all previous editions, with the opening day alone exceeding 2023’s numbers and the halls buzzing with energy and anticipation. The event’s expanded footprint meant professionals from every corner of the supply chain could see, touch, and compare thousands of products and solutions under one roof.

Nickie added: “We worked incredibly hard to expand both the footprint of the show, as well as broadening out the show proposition. This included an increased representation of machinery, with the Haffner Machinery Village occupying a significant footprint, as well as securing support from more glass brands than 2023 including the likes of Pilkington Glass and Clayton Glass to strengthen our offering for IGUs and fabricators.

“The introduction of the timber trail, led by FIT Show newcomer, the Timber Joinery Network, saw 50 of its members put on a fantastic display for both fabricators and installers looking to broaden their portfolios by incorporating this material.

“Similarly, a huge objective for 2025 was to meet the demand from 2023 visitors to see more systems houses represented on the show floor. We took this number from three in 2023 to seven for this edition, which included Selecta Systems, ALUK, Cortizo, Residence Collection, Aluplast, Smart Systems, Exlabesa – this was incredibly well received by visitors!”

Innovation on Display

The show floor was alive with product launches, from new door and window systems to the latest in software, hardware, and service innovations.

Many brands timed their launches to coincide with FIT Show, giving visitors exclusive first access to cutting-edge solutions.

The Installer Demo Zone, sponsored by Smart Systems and back by popular demand, provided hands-on demonstrations of machinery and installation techniques, allowing attendees to experience products in action and gain practical insights from participating brands including ALUK, Soudal, Bereco, Brett Martin, Kenricks, Keylite Roof Windows and The Joinery Network.

Nickie added: “Attracting roofing and construction professionals was a big objective for our 2025 campaign. Features such as the Installer Demo Zone and Marketplace allowed us to incorporate new brands and product offerings, with the likes of Gutterplus delivering hands-on demonstrations for people looking for new and innovative ways to not only install roof lights and lanterns, but the ancillary products to support these.”

A Marketplace for the Modern Installer

A standout new feature for 2025 was the Marketplace, where visitors could purchase tools, services and ancillaries directly on the show floor. Located alongside the Installer Demo Zone, this area gave tradespeople immediate access to the latest innovations, making FIT Show not just a place to discover but also to equip and upgrade in real time.

Participants included Blakeley Construction, ER Certification, CT1, Camel Clamp and Xpert Tools who created a starter bundle for glaziers.

Education, Legislation, and CPD

FIT Show 2025 also cemented its reputation as the industry’s leading learning platform. The CPD-accredited seminar programme, delivered in partnership with GGF and FENSA, drew impressive crowds with sessions covering everything from new building regulations and sustainability to AI, security, and future homes standards. This content was free to all visitors and designed to keep the industry up to speed with the latest technical and legislative developments.

Ben Wallace, GGF Managing Director commented: “I’ve attended many FIT Shows during my time at the GGF, and this one was by far the best for us. The GGF stand was absolutely packed for the majority of the show. It gave me a moment to step back and appreciate the progress we’ve made. We were able to showcase a lot of the hard work and various workstreams the team has been focused on over the past couple of years, and we received some really strong feedback.”

Networking and After-Hours Buzz

Beyond the stands, FIT Show’s networking opportunities were second to none. On-stand entertainment, exclusive giveaways, and the much-anticipated Late Night Wednesday – with its live music, themed food and drink, and relaxed atmosphere-fostered meaningful connections and a real sense of industry community. For many, these after-hours events were as valuable as the show itself, enabling business relationships to flourish in a more informal setting.

Industry Endorsement and Lasting Impact

Feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive. “I’m absolutely thrilled with the energy and attendance on day one of FIT Show 2025, which has already surpassed our 2023 edition in terms of visitor numbers,” said Nickie.

“The halls at NEC were absolutely buzzing with thousands of visitors discovering the very latest in windows, doors, glass, hardware and roofing products from close to 300 leading brands and exciting new exhibitors. Our expanded Installer Demo Zone was a real highlight, giving visitors hands-on access to live product installations and the brand-new Marketplace area.

“The CPD-accredited seminar programme, delivered in partnership with FENSA and GGF, also drew fantastic crowds, with sessions covering everything from future homes standards to the latest in security and AI. It was inspiring to see so many connections being made, deals being done, and innovations unveiled – FIT Show is all about bringing our industry together, and the atmosphere at FIT Show proves just how vital this event is for driving progress and collaboration across the sector”.

Exhibitors echoed this sentiment, with many reporting strong engagement, high-quality leads, and enthusiastic responses to new product launches. The show’s ability to unite the industry, foster innovation, and provide a platform for learning and business development was clear throughout.

Elton Boocock, Managing Director at Business Pilot commented: “We launched Business Pilot at FIT Show 2019 to huge success. This year, I launched thinkivity (AI training for glazing) and GlazingBot at the show. Once again, the right decision! The number of leads off the bat will ensure a solid foundation for both new companies. And for Business Pilot, 2025 FIT Show is already proving to be the most successful yet.”

A ‘highly rewarding experience’

Mark Powell, Sales Director for Direct Trade added: “Attending FIT Show 2025 was a highly rewarding experience for our team and a fantastic opportunity to connect with the wider UK fenestration industry.

“The exhibition brought together several key players and it was clear that innovation and sustainability are driving the sector forward. We had valuable conversations with suppliers, customers, potential customers and fellow professionals, and the quality of engagement was exceptional throughout.

“A big thank you to the FIT Show team for delivering such a well-run event — we’re proud to be part of such a dynamic industry and look forward to future opportunities to showcase our expertise.”

Looking Ahead

With the next FIT Show scheduled for two years, returning in 2027, this year’s event was a unique opportunity for the sector to connect, learn, and source solutions that will shape the industry’s future.

Organisers said the 2025 event has set a new gold standard for trade events in the glass, glazing, and fenestration sector-proving that when the industry comes together, progress and innovation follow.

FIT Show returns to the NEC, occupying the same four halls, from Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 May, 2027.

FIT Show 2027 | 18 – 20 May | NEC, Birmingham