ESS blogs

Thousands of emergency services respond well to UK’s leading showcase of innovation, training and collaboration 

Birmingham, 26 September 2025 - The Emergency Services Show (ESS) and The Emergency Tech Show (ETS) returned to the NEC, Birmingham from 17-18 September, drawing in thousands of visitors and showcasing the latest ideas, technology and equipment designed to support the UK’s emergency services. 

ESS welcomed 12,231 visitors and 563 exhibitors, while ETS brought in 7,660 visitors and 150 exhibitors. Both shows saw year-on-year growth, reinforcing their place as Europe’s leading annual event for the blue light community. 

ESS once again proved to be the meeting point for the entire emergency services sector. The exhibition floor was alive with conversation as suppliers demonstrated new tools, vehicles and equipment, from next-generation PPE to ambulance fit-outs and rescue tools put to the test in live demonstrations. 

“This is the one show that we must attend. It’s where we get to meet all our customers in one place.” - Terry Valentine, Group Marketing Manager, Ortus Technologies. 

The energy of the show extended across dedicated zones and interactive features. West Midlands Fire Service led realistic rescue scenarios, while the British Firefighter Challenge provided a high-energy competition that drew crowds throughout the two days. Visitors also explored immersive spaces such as the Capita-backed Immersive Skills Lab with its VR command training scenarios and the ATACC casualty care course, which brought together fire, police and ambulance staff to work through complex trauma and resuscitation training scenarios. 

“It’s a great market for innovation, understanding and community - we’re proud to launch new products here and be part of such an important event.” - Ashley Hepper, Senior Global Marketing Manager, Ferno UK. 

Learning and collaboration remained at the heart of ESS. Across four CPD-accredited stages, conversations tackled pressing issues such as contamination control, advances in clinical practice, the future of ambulance care and how emergency services can work more closely during complex incidents. Delegates also gathered in the Collaboration Zone, where more than 80 emergency services, NGOs and charities showcased projects and opportunities for partnership. New this year, the Fitness in Focus zone, created with TeamPolice, Police Sport UK and others, highlighted the importance of wellbeing and resilience, with live sports demonstrations and interactive activities. 

The EST Studios, sponsored by MSA Safety, returned as a dedicated editorial space where suppliers, innovators and sector leaders joined the Emergency Services Times team for live interviews. Many of these conversations will feature in For Every Response podcast season 3, launching this autumn, giving the community the chance to revisit the insights shared at the show and continue the discussion long after the doors closed. 

Running alongside ESS, The Emergency Tech Show put the spotlight firmly on the digital transformation of emergency services. Across three stages, sessions examined how cloud, AI and automation are shaping frontline work. Key sessions saw Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen stress the role of technology in tackling violence against women and girls, while Microsoft led a discussion on responsible AI in policing and an expert panel explored the technology behind the Emergency Services Network with ESMCP, EE/BT, IBM and a senior user showcasing the rollout of the 4G-based ESN critical communications network for all emergency services. 

“This is a prominent show in the UK for the emergency services, and we will continue to demonstrate our technology here for the foreseeable.” – Dave Shorland, Motorola Solutions 

On the exhibition floor, exhibitors demonstrated drones, robotics, real-time mapping tools and connected communications platforms, giving visitors a first-hand look at the technologies changing daily operations. Dedicated pavilions hosted AWS, Microsoft partners and Ordnance Survey, while live demonstrations showcased next-generation CAD systems, real-time mapping tools and other innovative operational tech. 

David Brown, Event Director, said: “The growth of both shows this year demonstrates the appetite across emergency services to connect, collaborate and discover new solutions. From frontline teams to senior leaders, the quality of engagement has been outstanding, and it’s clear the shows’ focus on collaboration, innovation and training has resonated. The Emergency Services Show has been a fixture in the calendar for 20 years, and now The Emergency Tech Show is attracting a new audience of CTOs and CIOs to explore the role of technology each September.” 

The organisers have confirmed that The Emergency Services Show and The Emergency Tech Show will return to the NEC Birmingham on 16-17 September 2026. Join us to celebrate 20 years of ESS and register your interest here.