Once again in 2026, ICE Agenzia, in collaboration with Confindustria Marmomacchine, is organizing a collective participation of Italian companies in the marble and natural stone sector at the Surface Design Show 2026, which will take place at the Business Design Centre in London (UK) from 3 to 5 February 2026.
The Surface Design Show is the leading UK event dedicated to interior and exterior surface materials, serving as an ideal showcase for new materials, design trends, and product innovations aimed at an audience primarily composed of architects and interior designers.
Growing international relevance
The 2025 edition recorded 182 exhibitors from 17 countries and more than 6,000 professional visitors, an 8% increase compared to the previous year, confirming the show’s role as a key meeting point for professionals seeking new business partners and design inspiration.
Supporting Italian excellence in the UK market
The initiative promoted by Confindustria Marmomacchine and ICE Agenzia aims to enhance the visibility and market penetration of Italian stone excellence in the UK, improving positioning and expanding export opportunities.
During the first seven months of 2025, Italian exports of worked and semi-worked natural stones to the United Kingdom reached €34 million, underscoring the steady strength of the sector.
The UK construction market: a strategic opportunity
Despite global economic fluctuations, the UK construction market remains of strategic importance, valued at USD 363 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.9% until 2034, potentially reaching over USD 483 billion.
This growth is driven by urbanization, building renovation, and major public and private investments, including a £725 billion infrastructure plan over the next decade.
Sustainability as a driving force
The sustainable building segment is expanding rapidly, with the green building market valued at USD 6.6 billion in 2024 and expected to more than double by 2033, achieving an 11.1% CAGR. Moreover, a 15.8% increase in construction orders during the first quarter of 2025 confirms the positive and dynamic momentum of the sector.
