Economic Mission to the United Kingdom
The Dutch composites sector is strongly connected to international markets and value chains. Innovation, market development and collaboration do not stop at national borders. Connections with international partners are essential to strengthening the position and further development of the Dutch sector.
From 2 to 4 November 2026, the aerospace sector and maritime manufacturing industry will take centre stage in Liverpool and North West England.
The mission is aimed at companies and knowledge institutions active in aerospace, maritime applications, advanced materials and manufacturing processes. The programme specifically addresses composites and advanced materials.
Economic Mission to the United Kingdom
Date: 2–4 November 2026
Location: Liverpool and North West England
Registration is open until 15 September 2026
Aerospace
The aerospace programme will cover topics including:
- aerospace technology and aircraft systems;
- composites and advanced materials;
- advanced manufacturing and production technologies;
- digitalisation and smart manufacturing systems.
Maritime manufacturing industry
The maritime programme will focus on areas including:
- shipbuilding, ship design and retrofitting;
- maritime supply chains and manufacturing;
- offshore wind support vessels and offshore engineering;
- digitalisation, electrification, decarbonisation and sustainability.
The mission is organised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the United Kingdom and NBSO Manchester.
The mission will be led by Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Vincent Karremans, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, will also participate, while Coen van Oostrom, Chair of VNO-NCW, will serve as the business delegation leader. The mission will take place in parallel with King Willem-Alexander’s working visit to the United Kingdom.
For more information about the mission, the draft programme, participation costs and registration, please visit the RVO registration page