Over 100 people attended SMMT’s free Open Forum event this week at the University of Warwick, and according to early feedback, presentations were very well received and thought to provide useful guidance to attendees.

Held in the Warwick Manufacturing Group Auditorium and chaired by SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt, themes focused on ‘The Suppliers’ View’ with a full programme of speakers discussing UK supply base issues and how to improve sourcing and supply in the UK.

Automotive Council Chair, Richard Parry Jones was among the leading speakers at the event, offering insight into the Automotive Council’s 2011 achievements and priorities for the remainder of this year and next.

Presentations on the topic of the ‘Outlook for the UK Supply Base’ were also given by representatives from Schaeffler UK, IAC Group, Tata Steel and Caxton FX.

The event was the latest in the series of Open Forum events highlighting business opportunities for attendees and follows the success of the Open Forum held in March that put the spotlight on ‘The Vehicle Manufacturers’ View’.

You can use the following link to download all the presentations from the Open Forum event of 20 September 2011.

Whilst continuing to respond to the needs of global vehicle manufacturers looking to source more components in the UK, SMMT is hosting a number of ‘Meet the Buyer’ events during the year. These events are designed to match sourcing demand to local suppliers and help retain and build supply chain relationships.

Click through to find out more about the next series of ‘Meet the Buyer’ events in October and November.