The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has today confirmed plans for its next Open Forum event, taking place on 20 September 2012 in the West Midlands.
Held in Solihull, the free-to-attend event will focus on the future prospects of the UK-based automotive supply chain and explore the current potential to strengthen the supplier base, following the wave of investment pledged by global vehicle manufacturers during the last two years.
Building on discussions that took place at the last SMMT Open Forum event earlier this year, the first speaker session will explore the work undertaken by the Automotive Council to boost the UK’s £4.8 billion automotive supply network. Leading the presentations will be Richard Parry-Jones, Automotive Council Co-Chair, Jerry Hardcastle (Nissan Europe), Automotive Council Technology Group Chair and Dave Allen (Jaguar Land Rover), Automotive Council Supply Chain Group Acting Chair.
Speakers will also include Phil Davies, Automotive Analyst for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) who will outline the latest supply chain commodity opportunities in the UK, highlighting the key components that vehicle manufacturers are looking to source locally to support new model programmes.
Mick Aiers, Purchasing Manager, General Motors will explore the vehicle manufacturers’ perspective, discussing the emerging opportunities for Tier 1 suppliers and how these prospects should filter down to every level of the supply chain, retaining business here in the UK. Concluding the speaker sessions, Ian Henry, Director of AutoAnalysis, will provide an update on the current and future car production trends in Europe.
Commenting, Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive said, “With global vehicle manufacturers pledging more than £5.8 billion to UK automotive during the last two years, there is a now a ‘window of opportunity’ to strengthen the UK supply chain, creating high-value jobs and success for the long-term.
“SMMT’s Open Forum event underlines the varied opportunities awaiting UK-based suppliers and also provides a mechanism to discuss and facilitate the support needed to ensure that component companies at every level of the chain can access this exciting potential.”
Previous events have had a capacity audience and it is advised that members and non-members register interest early as delegate numbers are strictly limited. To book your place at SMMT Open Forum on 20 September 2012, contact Claire Balch on cbalch@smmt.co.uk or 020 7344 1636.