recruitment in the West Midlands Archives

Reflections from Metals Expo 2025: Conversations that Mattered

Every year at the NEC in Birmingham, Metals Expo brings together the people who drive British manufacturing and engineering forward.

For us at Marshall Harmony, it is never about standing out for the sake of it. It is about being part of the conversation, listening, learning and sharing what we see across the businesses and people we work with every day.

This year reminded us just how powerful those conversations can be.

Meaningful Connections in Manufacturing and Engineering

Across two days, we spoke with professionals from across the UK. Engineers, leaders and teams all focused on shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for the industry.

There was a genuine openness in every discussion. People talked about the challenges of attracting new talent, the importance of retaining skilled people, and the shared pressure to balance growth with sustainability. These are the same topics we explore every week with our clients and candidates, so to see that energy in one place was inspiring.

It reinforced why we do what we do.

At Marshall Harmony, we work in manufacturing and engineering recruitment across Shropshire, the West Midlands and throughout the UK. Our focus is on people, culture and long-term fit, not just ticking boxes. We take pride in connecting businesses that make things, fix things and move things with people who care about doing a good job.

Laura on Stage

One of the highlights of the Expo was seeing our Managing Director Laura take to the stage to share what recruitment in manufacturing and engineering really looks like when you do it differently. She spoke about community, the importance of understanding people, and how small, practical changes in how companies attract and engage talent can make a big difference.

Our wider work goes beyond the Expo too. We are involved in shaping discussions across the sector, supporting conversations on skills, inclusion and the future of British manufacturing. It is steady, practical work that creates real, lasting change.

Sustainable Merch with Purpose

We were proud to be joint winners the Expo merch competition this year. It might sound small, but it means a lot to us because we put thought and care into everything we hand out.

Our reusable coffee cups were spotted all over the halls, carried between meetings and tucked under arms as people headed home. The Marshall Harmony socks, pens, coasters, notebooks, bottle opener torches and tins of mints did exactly what we hoped they would. They sparked conversations and got used again.

For us, it is a reflection of how we approach everything, with purpose in mind.

Not Your Typical Recruiter

If you met us at the Expo, you will already know that we are not your typical recruitment business. There were no scripts, no hard sells, no buzzwords. Just honest conversations about what good recruitment can look like when it is done with care.

We are proud to represent the manufacturing and engineering community across Shropshire, the West Midlands and the wider UK, supporting companies that value people as much as performance.

Looking Ahead

Metals Expo 2025 was more than an event. It was a reminder that connection and collaboration sit at the heart of everything we do.

We will be back for Metals Expo 2026, building on what we started, bigger, bolder and as people focused as ever.

If you are looking for a recruitment partner who genuinely understands manufacturing and engineering recruitment in Shropshire, the West Midlands and across the UK, we would love to start a conversation.

The team at Marshall Harmony had the privilege of attending the Enterprise Vision Awards, a night that celebrates women who are building, leading, and creating impact in business.

It was our first time attending, and it’s fair to say the energy in that room was something special. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was more than an awards ceremony. It was a celebration of courage, community, and shared purpose.

What the EVAs Represent

The EVAs are about recognising women who are driving change. Women who are not just building successful businesses but doing so with integrity and heart. The stories behind each nomination were powerful reminders that success takes many forms. Some stories were about overcoming challenges, others about breaking barriers, but all were about women determined to make a difference.

As a team, we left feeling inspired. Inspired by the stories of those who took the leap to start something new, and by those who continue to grow their businesses while supporting others along the way. Inspired by the honesty in the room, and by how openly people shared their journeys.

Laura’s Nomination

This year, our Director, Laura Davies, was honoured to be nominated. While we didn’t come home with an award, the experience meant far more than that. Laura’s nomination reflected the values that sit at the heart of Marshall Harmony.

Every day, Laura leads by example. She built this business to prove that recruitment can be done differently, that you can put people before profit and still build something successful. She practices what she preaches by creating a culture where flexibility is real, not just a line in a policy. A workplace that supports parents, welcomes different working patterns, and values life outside of work just as much as achievement within it.

That is the kind of leadership the EVAs are all about.

What the Evening Meant to Us

For the team, it was a chance to pause and take in how far we have come. We spend so much time focused on our clients and candidates that we rarely stop to reflect on the journey we are on as a company.

Being in that room surrounded by so many inspiring women reminded us why we do what we do. We are proud to support industries where women are still underrepresented. We are proud to work with clients who share our belief that culture matters as much as skill. And we are proud to be part of a network that celebrates women for their authenticity, resilience, and contribution.

There were moments of laughter, a few tears, and a real sense of belonging. It was one of those rare evenings where competition took a back seat and collaboration took centre stage.

The Real Win

Although there was no trophy on our table at the end of the night, we left with something far more valuable. The recognition that we are already winning every day through the work we do, the people we support, and the values we stand by.

Laura often says that success is not about growing the biggest business but about building one that makes a lasting difference. That has always been the spirit of Marshall Harmony, and the EVAs were a reminder of why that matters.

A Final Thought

The Enterprise Vision Awards are a beautiful example of what happens when women lift each other up. They shine a light on those who lead with purpose and show that kindness and commercial success can coexist.

We came home with renewed energy, gratitude, and pride. To have been part of something that celebrates women in business so genuinely was an honour in itself.

To every finalist, winner, and supporter we met along the way, thank you for an unforgettable evening.

Here’s to continuing to do business with integrity, compassion, and heart.