Automotive suppliers from across the UK gathered today at SMMT’s Open Forum event to discuss issues and activities related to the UK supply base. SMMT’s president Joe Greenwell welcomed over 70 delegates to discuss the supply base outlook, the work of the Automotive Council and the funding options available to the sector to support future business.
Ian Henry, AutoAnalysis director, provided industry’s outlook on manufacturing volumes followed by James Handyside, director of operations and engineering at UYT Limited, who spoke about body in white components. George Paterson, engineering sales manager at Axeon, then gave a presentation on EVs and the battery market. The session was concluded by a panel discussion involving all speakers.
The next item on the agenda prompted debate about the work of the Automotive Council. Co-chairman of the Council, Richard Parry-Jones, updated the group on the Council’s activities followed by briefings from Jerry Hardcastle, chairman of the Technology Group, and Bill Parfitt, chairman of the Supply Chain Group. For more information about the Automotive Council, click here.
The event concluded with a session looking at financial support solutions. This was led by Atradius’ John Duff and Lombard’s Dilip Nathwani who spoke about trade credit insurance and future business funding.
Paul Everitt provided the closing remarks emphasising the importance of the UK supply chain and the significant investment UK-based suppliers have already made towards developing low carbon technology, ensuring they remain well placed to respond to future market opportunities.
