As we move into July, I have been reflecting on two important moments for our sector in recent weeks: the Institute of Quarrying’s attendance at Hillhead 2026 and Minerals Matter’s presence at The Big Bang Fair at the NEC Birmingham. Although very different in audience, both events reinforced the same message for me, progress in our industry is strongest when it is built through collaboration.
Held at a former quarry in Buxton, Hillhead once again brought together the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors, with more than 600 exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, technology and services. For the Institute, our presence was an important opportunity to engage directly with members, partners and prospective members, and to highlight the professional development, training and support that IQ continues to provide across the sector.
What matters most is that the progress we are seeing across the sector is not happening in isolation. At Hillhead, conversations around the updated National Occupational Standards (NOS), qualifications, workforce assurance and professional development all demonstrated the value of organisations working together to raise standards and support competence. That collaborative approach is essential if we are to continue building a safer, stronger and more resilient industry.
The same principle was clear at The Big Bang Fair 2026. As the UK’s largest celebration of STEM for schools, the event provides a powerful platform to inspire future talent and showcase the wide variety of careers available across our sector. Through Minerals Matter, young people were able to experience immersive activities that brought quarrying, mining and mineral products to life in a practical and engaging way.
Importantly, Minerals Matter’s attendance was supported by a range of industry partners, including EPC-UK, Tarmac, and British Gypsum. That collective support sent a strong message about what our sector can achieve when it speaks with one voice. By working together, we are better able to challenge perceptions, broaden understanding and demonstrate the exciting opportunities available across engineering, operations, sustainability, geoscience and digital technology.
For me, the link between these two events is clear. Hillhead represents professional connection, shared learning and industry advancement. The Big Bang Fair represents future talent, outreach and inspiration. Together, they show that collaboration is not simply a positive ambition. It is how we create progression, for individuals, for businesses and for the industry as a whole.
As an Institute, we must continue to support that journey by promoting standards, encouraging professional development and working in partnership with others who share our commitment to the future of the sector. Both Hillhead 2026 and The Big Bang Fair have shown what is possible when we do exactly that. Our task now is to build on that momentum.
