Materials and Finishes show gets a rebranding

Montgomery Group has announced the rebranding of Materials and Finishes Show into Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE), returning to the NEC Birmingham from 17 – 19 May 2026.

This rebranding is said to reflect Montgomery’s commitment to serving the UK’s woodworking industry, and builds upon the valuable insights gained from its successful 2024 event. 

The Professional Woodworking Expo is the UK’s only dedicated event for woodworking professionals, offering a comprehensive showcase of workshop essentials. From cutting-edge machinery and tools to innovative software, coatings, varnishes, finishes and materials, this event is tailored to meet the specific needs of the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK.

Key features of the Professional Woodworking Expo 2026 will be:

• Curated exhibits featuring products and services tailored for professional workshops
• Expanded interactive live demonstration areas and tailored content programmes 
• Networking opportunities with 6,000+ fellow woodworking professionals from the UK & Ireland

Event director, David Todd commented: “Our decision to refocus and rebrand stems from extensive market research and valuable feedback from our stakeholders, including exhibitors and visitors. We recognised the need for a dedicated platform that caters specifically to the UK’s professional woodworking sector, which comprises over 30,000 joinery and installation businesses.

“By concentrating on wood as our primary material and targeting professional woodworkers across the UK, we are positioning the Professional Woodworking Expo as the essential destination for forward-thinking businesses looking to improve efficiency, discover new techniques, and connect with key suppliers in the market.”

Professional Woodworking Expo 2026 will build upon the successes of Materials and Finishes Show 2024 (formerly W Exhibition), particularly the popular content theaters and live demo areas. Montgomery Group says it is committed to expanding these features to provide even more interactive content, practical skills training, and expert advice from industry leaders. 

The event will welcome back returning exhibitors, as well as new brands joining for the first time, further bolstering Professional Woodworking Expo’s offering to support attendees looking for a comprehensive solution to their woodworking needs. Attendees can look forward to seeing trusted names including Ostermann, Advanced Machinery Services, VWM, Leitz Tooling, Elmbridge UK and Mirka, showcasing a comprehensive range of solutions for the sector. 

As the woodworking industry continues to evolve, with projected revenue growth and increasing demand for specialised products, the Professional Woodworking Expo will play a crucial role in addressing the sector’s needs, including the skills gap and technological advancements.

Montgomery Group is inviting all professionals in the UK woodworking industry to join them at the Professional Woodworking Expo 2026, where innovation meets skilled and creative expertise, and businesses find the tools to thrive in a competitive market.

Professional Woodworking Expo | 17 – 19 May 2026 | Homepage