The move reflects the company’s commitment to deeper collaboration across the UK exhibition industry. By positioning itself closer to key organisers, venues, customers, and trade association partners, the company aims to strengthen its influence and expand its network within the sector.
Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, said “The move to London underscores our ambition to be a major player in the UK market. We’re evolving from a one-show operation into a fully-fledged, multi-faceted exhibition business.”
Since entering the UK market in 2016 with the launch of the multi-award-winning Automechanika Birmingham, MFUK has gradually expanded its presence. Following the show's success, the UK subsidiary was formally established in 2018. Its current UK portfolio is in the automotive aftermarket and includes:
- Automechanika Birmingham, a major 11,000 sqm trade show that welcomed 15,000 visitors in June 2025
- The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, launched in 2022, with its third edition scheduled for June 2026
- auto:resource, a digital directory supporting the UK automotive aftermarket
The team is also responsible for the promotion of Messe Frankfurt’s global portfolio of over 150 trade events to UK businesses
MFUK now operates with a team of 15, and the relocation to the capital is seen as a springboard for further growth.
“This is a pivotal moment for our UK business” said Simon Albert, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt UK. “A company of our size and reputation belongs in the capital. The move has energised our team, they’re more creative, more collaborative, and most importantly, they’re having fun.”
Messe Frankfurt globally is the world’s third-largest trade show organiser based on 2024 revenues:
- Organising 334 events worldwide, including 151 trade fairs and exhibitions
- Hosting Over 98,000 exhibitors and 4.4 million visitors
- Annual sales of approximately €775 million
- 2,500 employees across global offices
- Flagship events such as Automechanika, Ambiente, Heimtextil, Light + Building, and Intersec across markets including the USA, Argentina, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Japan
Looking ahead, Albert plans to drive MFUK’s next phase through acquisitions, new event launches, and strategic partnerships, all underpinned by a people-first culture, agility, and innovation.