Net zero minister to open Cenex Expo 2025 with keynote

Cenex Expo 2025 will open with a keynote address from Rt Hon. Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade.

This will set the stage for a high-impact two-day programme that explores the technologies, strategies and legislation shaping the UK’s transition to Net Zero and Connected Automated Mobility (CAM).

Returning to UTAC Millbrook, Bedfordshire on 3 - 4 September, Cenex Expo brings together over 200 expert speakers, policymakers, technologists and commercial leaders. In a year marked by new policy impetus for automotive manufacturing, the event’s seminar programme acts as a platform not just for ideas - but for the implementation of real-world change.

This year’s seminar programme is built around three defining themes: Transition to Net Zero, Connected Automated Mobility, and Cross-sector Technology Transfer. Across six theatres, delegates will gain insights into the breakthroughs and bottlenecks influencing policy, investment and innovation across the transport landscape. 

Whether it’s navigating CAM legislation, tackling zero-emission freight challenges, or unlocking the commercialisation of Automated Vehicles and supporting digital infrastructure, Cenex Expo 2025 offers practical, relevant content for those driving the transition forward. With sessions dedicated to building resilient and traceable supply chains, the programme addresses foundational challenges for Net Zero at scale. A key highlight will be the seminar on Building an Automotive Industrial Policy for the Next Decade, examining the Government’s £2.5 billion DRIVE35 initiative and its role in accelerating strategic R&D, commercial scale-up, and investment across vehicle electrification. 

Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, comments. “We’ve curated this year’s sessions to give attendees clarity and actionable insights. With the ICE phase-out approaching for cars and vans, there is a scale-up opportunity for UK automotive vis sustainable manufacturing. Net Zero for trucks is the next frontier opportunity, alongside commercialising driverless logistics and shared passenger transport, as well as the roll out of next generation Electric Vehicle charging technologies.  Our sector is ripe for a host of new innovations from UK technology developers speaking and showcasing at Cenex Expo.  Our event is a rallying point for cross-sector collaboration and forward-thinking leadership.”

The programme features high-level panels, tech briefings, and in-depth discussions. Key topics include decarbonising heavy goods vehicles and commercial fleets, building circular, resilient supply chains for EV technology, and innovations in hydrogen mobility, AI, and software-defined vehicles, amongst others.

Confirmed speakers include Graham Zebedee, Advanced Manufacturing Director in the UK government Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Mike Hawes, CEO, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tom Adeyoola, Executive Chair, Innovate UK, and many others.

Beyond the stage, visitors will find over 150 exhibitors and a large outdoor steering pad featuring live demos and ride-and-drive experiences. With more than 4,000 attendees expected, Cenex Expo is the UK’s premier platform for future mobility collaboration - where policy meets engineering, and innovation meets delivery.

View the view the full seminar programme here.