Merchant Exchange
Screwfix says its annual trade show had its biggest year yet, with a record-breaking Saturday.
Screwfix says more than 37,000 trade professionals and DIYers attended Screwfix LIVE 2026, making it the largest show in the event’s 13-year history. The retailer said attendance was 19% higher than last year.
Held at Farnborough Exhibition and Conference Centre, the show attracted more than 14,000 visitors on the Saturday alone, which Screwfix said was a new attendance record for the venue.
More than 200 trade brands exhibited, giving visitors the chance to try the latest tools hands-on and buy show-only deals. Guests included former boxer Frank Bruno, Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah and England rugby players Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan.
The event also hosted the final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026, where ten finalists competed for the title. Electrician Neil Claxton, from Ayr, was named the winner and received a £20,000 bundle of tools, tech and training. Screwfix said he was recognised for his standards of work and customer service, and for his support for apprentices, his team and his local community.
The Screwfix Foundation also held a charity dinner for suppliers and partners, raising more than £370,000 for community projects across the UK and Ireland.
Screwfix Managing Director Max Britten said the show “continues to go from strength to strength”, adding that the business is already looking at how to build on this year’s momentum in 2027.
