The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has today announced a high-level skills panel for its fifth SMMT International Automotive Summit, to be held at Clifford Chance, Canary Wharf, on 13 June.
Chaired by Steve Cropley, Editor-in-Chief of Autocar, the panel will deliver their views as to why UK automotive must attract the brightest and best talent to safeguard its long-term success. The panel members will consist of Graham Hoare Executive Director for Powertrain Engineering of Ford of Europe; Dr Ariane Reinhart, Board Member for Human Resources of Bentley Motors and Linda Jackson, Managing Director of Citroen UK.
“The automotive sector is one of the most vibrant and dynamic parts of the UK economy with strong future growth prospects in both the manufacturing and retail parts of the sector,” said Mike Baunton, Interim Chief Executive of the SMMT. “The superb panel we have put together for the Summit will explore what the industry needs to do to benefit from recent investment but as international competition intensifies, how to best get a firm grip on skills, learning and development which will be crucial to the UK’s long term success.”
Government has recognised the contribution to manufacturing made by the UK automotive sector and the need to draw in the very best talent. In the last two years, the automotive industry has led the way with the ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative supported by Automotive Council. Over forty companies took part in the scheme that invited young people and careers advisors to catch a glimpse of what it would be like to work inside this vibrant industry.
In the morning, following the keynote speech from Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Company, the Skills Panel will form a main session before the Summit splits into three streams. These streams will cover The Future of Vehicle Retail (supported by GForces Web Management); Innovation in Intelligent Mobility Systems and Advanced Propulsion (supported by KPMG LLP) and Growth in the Supply Chain (supported by Lombard)
Tickets for the Summit are available on a first come, first served basis priced at £250 +VAT for SMMT members and £500 +VAT for non-members. To book your place at the SMMT International Automotive Summit, visit www.smmt.co.uk/events/summit/ or call 0808 178 8818.
To discuss advertising, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, please contact 0808 178 8818 or summit@smmt.co.uk. The event will run alongside the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, which runs from 10-16 June.
