Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The NMBS Exhibition is the UK's leading exhibition for independent building, timber, plumbing, and hardware merchants. This event provides a prime opportunity to conduct business and connect with leading manufacturers and distributors in a relaxed atmosphere.
Attendees can benefit from substantial exhibition rebates, discounts, and promotions exclusive to NMBS members. NMBS Exhibition takes place in Coventry, United Kingdom.
Venue: Coventry Building Society Arena.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: NMBS Exhibition 2027 runs from 14-15 April 2027 at Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, United Kingdom.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the National Merchant Buying Society Limited, more details available at nmbs.co.uk.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attracts merchants and suppliers from the building and plumbing sectors.
- 4Entry: Registration details and further information can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Attendees will gain access to exclusive discounts and promotions from top suppliers. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders and explore the latest products and innovations in the building and plumbing sectors. Participants can engage in over 25,000 interactions between members and exhibitors, enhancing their business connections.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will showcase their products to a targeted audience of over 1,200 members and suppliers. The event provides a platform for brand visibility and direct engagement with potential customers. Exhibitors can leverage substantial exhibition rebates and discounts to attract more visitors to their stands.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Independent builders merchant owners and branch managers
Timber and sheet materials buyers
Plumbing, heating and bathroom showroom purchasers
Hardware, fixings and ironmongery buyers
Heavy-side materials and aggregates procurement staff
Merchant marketing and category managers selecting promotional ranges
Roofing, insulation and landscaping product buyers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Building materials manufacturers (bricks, blocks, cement, aggregates)
Timber importers, sawmills and engineered wood suppliers
Plumbing, heating, boilers and bathroom product brands
Hardware, fixings, tools and ironmongery makers
Roofing, insulation and drainage systems suppliers
Paint, sealant and decorative finishes brands
Merchant services, logistics and e-commerce platform providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Building materials and supplies
Plumbing fixtures and fittings
Timber products and solutions
Hardware tools and accessories
Construction equipment
Home improvement products
Location & Facilities
Venue
Coventry Building Society Arena
Judds Ln, Coventry CV6 6GE
Facilities
Parking
Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Coventry Building Society Arena for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
National Merchant Buying Society Limited (NMBS)
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Coventry, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending NMBS Exhibition on 2027-04-14 to 2027-04-15 in Coventry lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Birmingham Airport
BHX is the closest major gateway to Coventry Building Society Arena. Rail connections via Birmingham International and Coventry station, or a taxi, are the usual transfer options. Confirm live routes before travel
Approx. 18 km
to venue
Approx. 25-40 min by road
by car
Coventry Airport
CVT is geographically closest but has limited passenger service, so check schedules before relying on it. A short taxi is the practical transfer if you do arrive there
Approx. 5 km
to venue
Approx. 10-15 min by road
by car
East Midlands Airport
EMA can work for travellers arriving from the north or on routes not served by BHX, but allow extra time for the road or coach transfer to Coventry. Confirm the return journey before booking
Approx. 55 km
to venue
Approx. 50-70 min by road
by car
London Luton Airport
LTN is a longer transfer and is usually chosen only when fares are materially better. Rail or coach connections to Birmingham and Coventry should be checked before travel
Approx. 115 km
to venue
Approx. 1 hr 40 min - 2 hr by road
by car
London Heathrow Airport
LHR has the widest long-haul choice but the longest transfer to Coventry. Allow for coach or rail connections and do not book a tight same-day return after the show
Approx. 150 km
to venue
Approx. 1 hr 50 min - 2 hr 30 min by road
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry Building Society Arena
4-star
On-site at Coventry Building Society ArenaApprox. 60 m walk to the halls to venueThe only on-site hotel and the most convenient for early hall access. Breakfast and parking are chargeable; free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fitness center, bar and restaurant are listed. Approximate April rate range; confirm live availability.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 35-50 one way
Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to Coventry Building Society Arena
A direct taxi is the simplest option with luggage. Allow 25-40 min depending on traffic on the M6 and Coventry ring road; confirm the metered or fixed fare before setting off.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 10-15 one way
Best forCoventry Airport (CVT) to Coventry Building Society Arena
CVT is close to the arena but has limited passenger service. If you arrive there, a short taxi is the practical transfer; confirm availability at the rank or by app.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 45-65 one way
Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to Coventry Building Society Arena
A longer road transfer via the M42 and M6. Compare with coach or rail options if you are travelling alone, and allow extra time in peak hours.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 90-120 one way
Best forLondon Luton Airport (LTN) to Coventry Building Society Arena
Only worth considering if the flight saving is significant. Rail or coach via Birmingham is usually more economical for solo travellers.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 120-160 one way
Best forLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Coventry Building Society Arena
The longest common airport transfer. For most visitors, coach or rail via Birmingham or Coventry is a better value option than a direct taxi.
train
Estimated costApprox. GBP 5-9 single
Best forBirmingham International rail station to Coventry rail station
Use the rail link from Birmingham International toward Coventry, then continue by bus or taxi to the arena. Confirm live fares and service times before travel.
bus
Estimated costApprox. GBP 2-3 single
Best forCoventry city centre to Coventry Building Society Arena
Local buses serve the ring road and city centre. Contactless or a local day ticket is typically used; check event-day diversions before relying on a specific route.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. GBP 8-12 one way
Best forCoventry city-centre hotels to Coventry Building Society Arena
Useful for the Premier Inn Belgrade Plaza and other city-centre hotels. Check app availability at show closing time and expect short surge periods after the halls empty.
Weather
The exhibition runs in April, an unsettled month in the West Midlands. Expect mild but changeable days, cooler mornings and evenings, and passing showers rather than a settled dry spell. Approximate daytime highs are around 12-15 C and overnight lows around 4-7 C. Check the Coventry forecast in the final week before travel and pack a compact waterproof.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks EE, O2, Vodafone and Three operate in Coventry. Prepaid SIM and eSIM options are available at airports and city retailers; check that your handset supports UK bands. Venue Wi-Fi availability should be confirmed with Coventry Building Society Arena or NMBS, and a power bank is useful for long hall days.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payments
The local currency is pounds sterling (GBP). Contactless cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and at the arena, but carry a little cash for small purchases or transport.
Business dress
Smart casual is common at UK trade shows. Exhibitors often wear branded polo shirts, while buyers typically wear trousers or jeans with a shirt or knitwear; formal attire is not required for most stand meetings.
Greetings and punctuality
A handshake and first names are normal in UK business settings. Arrive on time for meetings, and expect queues to be respected at registration, catering and transport.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected at trade counters or fast-service cafes. In restaurants, check whether a service charge has already been added before leaving extra.
Access and mobility
Coventry Building Society Arena is a modern venue with level access in the main public areas. If you have specific access requirements, contact the venue or NMBS in advance so arrangements can be confirmed.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BHX
Book to Birmingham Airport (BHX) when possible for the shortest transfer to Coventry. Compare East Midlands, Luton or Heathrow only if the fare saving outweighs the longer coach or rail connection. Allow a connection via Dublin or Amsterdam if direct fares are high. Check baggage, seat and change fees, and do not book non-refundable travel until your registration or invitation and UK entry requirements are confirmed.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): Approx. 25-40 min by road; Coventry Airport (CVT): Approx. 10-15 min by road; East Midlands Airport (EMA): Approx. 50-70 min by road; London Luton Airport (LTN): Approx. 1 hr 40 min - 2 hr by road. Allow road or rail time to Coventry Building Society Arena; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Coventry Building Society Arena: On-site at Coventry Building Society Arena: DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry Building Society Arena.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps such as Uber operate in Coventry, but availability can vary by time of day. Book after the halls close only when you have a confirmed pickup point, and check the fare estimate before confirming. A licenced taxi rank is a useful fallback.
Public transit: Coventry railway station is the main rail arrival point, with connections from Birmingham International and London. Local buses serve the city centre and the arena's ring-road location. Contactless bank cards and local day tickets are typically used; confirm event-day diversions and last services with the operator before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Coventry Building Society Arena. Charges, pre-booking rules and hall access should be confirmed with the venue or organiser. Arrive early on show mornings, follow steward directions and allow extra time when the exhibition closes.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs 12-15 C, overnight lows 4-7 C. Confirm the Coventry forecast in the final week before travel.
Seasonality: April is an unsettled month in Coventry with frequent light showers and changeable cloud. There is no reliable dry season, so plan for short rain interruptions between the halls and transport.
Packing: Pack layers for mild but changeable spring days, a compact waterproof and comfortable shoes for walking the arena halls. Bring a charged phone, a power bank and a notebook for stand negotiations, and keep travel documents in a waterproof folder.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at NMBS Exhibition usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your NMBS branch allocation, visitor names and registration route before travel
T-2
Book Birmingham Airport (BHX) flights and a room at the on-site DoubleTree or a city-centre Premier Inn
T-3
Build a supplier shortlist from your branch ranging gaps across timber, heavyside, plumbing and hardware
T-4
Check UK entry requirements on the official government visa service if travelling from outside the UK or Ireland
T-5
Request the floor plan and note priority supplier stand numbers
T-6
Pre-book arena parking or plan the rail and bus route from Coventry railway station
T-7
Confirm hotel check-in times and whether breakfast or parking is included in your rate
T-8
Download tickets, badge confirmation and supplier meeting notes to your phone
T-9
Pack layered clothing and a compact waterproof for April in the West Midlands
T-10
Charge a power bank for long hall days and carry a notebook for stand negotiations
T-11
Check the Coventry forecast in the final 48 hours and adjust footwear and outerwear
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Coventry Building Society Arena
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2NMBS Exhibition registration concourse
Coventry Building Society Arena
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Coventry Building Society Arena
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether NMBS Exhibition fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Glossary
- Builders merchant
- A trade distributor selling timber, bricks, blocks, cement, plumbing and general building materials to contractors and tradespeople rather than to consumers at retail.
- NMBS
- The buying group behind the exhibition - independent builders merchants pool purchasing volume so member branches can compete with national chains on supplier terms.
- Timber merchant
- A merchant specialising in sawn and machined timber, sheet materials and engineered wood products for housebuilding, joinery and refurbishment work.
- Plumbing and heating supplier
- A distributor of pipework, fittings, boilers, radiators, bathrooms and drainage products serving installers and mechanical contractors.
- Heavy-side / light-side
- Merchant trade shorthand: heavy-side covers bricks, blocks, aggregates and cement sold in bulk; light-side covers ironmongery, tools, fixings and decorative products.
- Branch buyer
- A merchant purchasing manager who selects ranged products per branch and negotiates supplier rebates, delivery terms and promotional support.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- NMBS Exhibition 2027
- Coventry Building Society Arena
- UK building trade show
- plumbing exhibition UK
- hardware trade fair UK
- NMBS Exhibition Coventry 2027
- NMBS 2027
- NMBS Coventry 2027
- Coventry United Kingdom
- Trade show Coventry 2027
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.