CEF Live champions education and innovation

CEF Live returned to the Birmingham NEC on 5th and 6th June 2025, drawing thousands of electrical professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers for two days of networking opportunities, CPD-accredited learning seminars and cutting-edge technology shaping the future of the industry.

A key focus of this year’s event was on driving progress across sustainability, skills development, and cross-industry collaboration. Through a packed agenda of TechTalks, expert-led panels, and practical demonstrations, CEF reinforced its commitment to supporting the entire supply chain – particularly smaller manufacturers navigating increasingly complex environmental expectations.

Sustainability was a core theme, with CEF reaffirming its commitment to working closely with both large and small manufacturers. Through partnerships with organisations like EcoVadis, suppliers are being equipped with accessible scorecards to understand their impact and improve their practices.

This collaborative ethos extended across the event, with recognition that the industry can no longer operate in silos, with CEF calling for deeper cooperation between wholesalers, manufacturers, and the wider supply chain.

Chris Ashworth, CEO of CEF, said:

“Smaller suppliers need help and guidance. There’s a massive gap in sustainability support, and we’re stepping up to fill it – starting with webinars for over 70 suppliers and a growing programme to upskill the industry.”

“We take our role as experts seriously. Our business and our industry must remain professional and prepared. This is a dynamic sector, and we’re here to help everyone—from apprentices to seasoned pros – navigate the change.”

CEF Live also highlighted significant investments in education and training, addressing fast-changing regulations, a national skills shortage, and the need for ongoing professional development. The popular TechTalks returned, with over 12,000 attendees participating across the two days, CEF unveiled the launch of a new online learning platform offering CPD-accredited content and live sessions for remote learning.

Ashworth concluded:

“This isn’t about a defined ROI – it’s just the right thing to do. When you get the best people in every discipline working together, great things happen. #CEFlive25 proves that.”