UKATA successfully returned to The Health & Safety Event 2026, held from 28-30 April at the NEC Birmingham, where the association engaged with health and safety professionals across three busy days of exhibition, networking and knowledge sharing.
Positioned at stand 3/E91, UKATA welcomed a steady flow of visitors, including UKATA members Davis Access, Now U Know Training, Testing and Training Experts, and UKATA Director Chris Ivey, as well as Emma Wilkinson of PCR Global Ltd. The stand also attracted a strong level of membership and training enquiries, providing valuable leads for follow-up. We had a range of asbestos-containing material samples on the stand, which gained a lot of interest and provided delegates the opportunity to view real examples in a safe environment.
A key highlight of this year’s event was UKATA’s speaker session delivered by new UKATA Director Ellie Johns, titled “The Importance of a UKATA Asbestos Trained Project Manager.” The session attracted significant interest and provided delegates with a practical overview of the responsibilities involved in managing asbestos removal projects.
Ellie explored the critical role of the asbestos project manager in ensuring compliance with legislation and maintaining safe working environments. The session covered key topics including the different types of asbestos surveys, expectations around licensed work and the potential consequences of poor project management. Through real-world examples and case studies, attendees were encouraged to consider what can go wrong when asbestos work is not properly managed, including breaches of regulations and the risk of prosecution.
The session also covered UKATA’s dedicated asbestos project manager training course, highlighting its relevance for those responsible for procuring and overseeing asbestos works. Feedback from attendees was highly positive, with many recognising the value of structured training in supporting safer project delivery and improved decision-making on site.
Alongside its speaker programme, UKATA was pleased to exhibit alongside a number of its members and industry associates, including ACT Associates Ltd, Quinns Training Services Ltd, R G Wilbrey, SSG Training and Consultancy Ltd, Tetra Consulting, and Dräger UK along with Partners BSIF. Tetra Consulting’s Chief Strategy Officer and IOSH Vice President, Shaun Lundy, opened the Keynote Theatre, while Dräger UK’s Business Development Manager, Ian Kelsall, led a session titled “Beyond the Mask – Providing Confidence in RPE Provision”. The event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and establish new connections across the sector.
The show also provided the opportunity to promote UKATA’s annual asbestos conference, UKATACON26, and offer delegates an exclusive discount to attend. UKATACON brings together professionals, policymakers and innovators who share one clear purpose: to make asbestos risk management smarter, safer and more accountable.
Speaking after the event, UKATA Events & Marketing Manager, Victoria Castelluccio, said:
“The Health & Safety Event continues to be a key platform for engaging with professionals across a wide range of sectors. This year, we saw a real focus on competence and accountability, particularly in higher-risk areas such as asbestos management. Ellie’s session was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of trained project managers and the role they play in ensuring work is carried out safely and compliantly.”
With a strong attendance and continued growth in both exhibitors and visitors, The Health & Safety Event 2026 once again demonstrated its value as a leading industry platform. UKATA is proud to support events that raise awareness and contribute to improving health and safety standards across the UK.
UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure
Published on Tuesday 5th May 2026