Real workplace challenges. Hands-on solutions that make a difference.
Three days. One industry. Endless innovation.
The Health and Safety Event returned to NEC Birmingham from 28–30 April 2026, bringing together professionals to explore practical solutions, share real-world challenges, and discover new ways to improve workplace safety.
COBA in Action: Connecting Across Teams and Borders
Our team was out in full force, making the event feel like a true COBA reunion.
Chris Stanley, Group Commercial Director EMEA, and Paul Lauper, our expert Regional Sales & Account Manager, were at the heart of the action, engaging with industry professionals, business leaders, end-users and decision-makers across various sectors. Discussions focused on real workplace challenges, emerging health & safety trends, and interactive sessions with event visitors. A standout feature at the stand was the Giant iPad, which allowed visitors to explore how our technology supports the industry in selecting the right matting solutions and calculating return on investment in a simple, interactive way.
Through demonstrations of MatBrain™ and the Anti-fatigue ROI calculator, visitors could better understand how the right products can create safer and more comfortable workplace environments.
The marketing department worked hard in collaboration with the sales team to bring the stand and the COBA offering to life. Group Head of Marketing for COBA EMEA, Jo Blake, was delighted to welcome her team situated in South Africa to attend the event, see their work come to life, and work with the sales teams to plan for 2026 and 2027! Adding an international touch, COBA UK & EU Marketing Executive Marijke Nel, EMEA SEO & COBA Marketing Lead Petro Haasbroek, and Marketing Executive from COBA SA Leoné van Niekerk, met with attendees, explored new ideas, and built meaningful connections across the industry.
We were also pleased to welcome two of our directors, Danni-and Josh Cooke, whose presence added further insight to the discussions.
More Than a Stand. An Experience in Action
A wide range of COBA matting products was on display at the stand, allowing visitors to interact with the products first-hand. The event also marked the launch of several new products, giving visitors an exclusive first look at the latest additions to our range. From exploring different options to stepping onto our anti-fatigue mats for concrete floors and industrial environments, it was all about seeing and feeling the difference for themselves.
This hands-on experience helped visitors quickly understand which solutions would work best for their own environments. Many conversations focused on the benefits of anti-fatigue mats, particularly for employees standing for long periods on hard surfaces such as concrete floors.
These moments naturally led to valuable discussions about real workplace needs and what solutions actually make a difference. From improving employee comfort to creating safer environments overall, the focus was on simple, practical ways to enhance everyday working conditions.
We worked closely with the Health & Safety Event team and Nineteen Group to brand our Deckplate anti-fatigue matting, ensuring visitors’ first step into the event was one of comfort.
At the entrance, we branded our fatigue mat with COBA branding, creating a welcoming first impression. Featuring a bold “Welcome to the Health & Safety Event” message alongside the COBA logo and stand number, the mat helped guide visitors to our COBA stand while reinforcing brand visibility from the moment they arrived.
Beyond the Basics: Rethinking Workplace Safety
One thing that really stood out throughout the event was a clear shift in how people are thinking about health & safety in workplace environments. It’s no longer just about ticking boxes, but about creating spaces that support both safety and employee well-being.
It was clear these priorities are evolving, with more focus on solutions that not only meet health & safety standards but also improve how people feel and perform at work. It’s not just about the audit anymore; it’s about focusing on employee well-being by creating better, more productive workplaces. Solutions like industrial anti-fatigue mats are playing an increasingly important role in supporting both compliance and workforce performance.
The Journey Continues: Let’s Stay Connected
This is just the beginning. If you’re looking for practical ways to improve safety and comfort in your workplace, events like this are the place to start. Visitors also showed strong interest in tools like the anti-fatigue mat ROI calculator™ and MatBrain™ product selector, designed to simplify how businesses choose the right mat based on environment, usage, and performance needs.
We also introduced new products at the event, which are now available to explore on our website.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Our team is here to help you get Right Mat, First Time™, so you can make confident decisions for your customers or your own workspace.
