ChemUK 2025: Insights from the Expo & What It Means for Senior-Level Hiring in Chemicals

On the 21st and 22nd of May, Handley James proudly attended ChemUK 2025 — the UK’s leading expo for the chemical industries. Held at the NEC Birmingham, the event was a vibrant hub of innovation, connection, and future-focused thinking.

As a specialist senior-level recruitment partner to the chemical sector, we weren’t just there to observe — we were there to engage, listen, and explore what these developments mean for the future of leadership hiring.

Smart Chemistry is Here

ChemUK 2025 showcased a huge shift toward automation, data intelligence, and AI-led process improvement. The energy on the floor was clear: we’re now in the era of intelligent chemistry.

For senior hiring, this means:
Leaders must combine traditional chemical engineering knowledge with digital fluency. The C-suite and senior managers of the future will be tech-aware, innovation-minded, and able to lead transformation — not just manage operations.

Sustainability Is Not Optional

Conversations around net-zero goals, green chemistry, and circular processes were impossible to ignore. ESG is now a strategic driver — not just a compliance box.

For your leadership team, this means:
You’ll need talent that can embed sustainability into every layer of operations. From technical directors to board-level appointments, environmental strategy and forward-thinking resource management are becoming must-haves.

Stronger, More Strategic Leadership Needed

With geopolitical tensions, supply chain volatility, and rising costs, resilient leadership is crucial. The ChemUK seminars made it clear: companies that thrive in the next five years will be the ones with clear, agile leadership.

The recruitment challenge?
There’s no room for hiring error at the top. Your senior team needs to be able to balance long-term vision with immediate problem-solving and operational stability.

Our Role in the Industry

At Handley James, we don’t just watch these trends — we act on them. Attending ChemUK 2025 has deepened our understanding of where the chemical industry is going, and we’re already using those insights to help clients find leaders who are truly future-ready.

Whether you're looking to bring in transformational talent, refine your leadership structure, or prepare your company for the next phase of growth — we’re here to help.

If we didn’t get a chance to speak at ChemUK, we’d still love to connect. Drop us a message to talk about your senior-level hiring needs.