UK-based automotive suppliers looking to exploit a £3 billion opportunity were giving a helping hand this week with the first in a series of new SMMT events designed to increase the UK’s supply chain share.
20 supply chain firms were invited to Open Access: Ford at the firm’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, where they were matched to specific buyers with a ‘shopping list’ of requirements.
The event was the first of SMMT’s new Open Access series which, through this new focused approach, aims to optimise UK suppliers’ chances of obtaining contracts with companies further up the chain.
On Ford’s wish-list was a variety of components involved in powertrain production, including prototyping, modelling, testing, engine mounts, air intake systems, exhaust and engine components. Feedback from Dunton attendees indicates that 75% of the meetings will be followed up, while 90% said that the event was either good or excellent.
A number of Open Access events at a variety of vehicle manufacturers and Tier-one suppliers will take place in 2014. Suppliers can register interest here, and will be cherry picked for invitation based on the purchasing requirements of buyers at the host manufacturer. Manufacturers can find companies matching the demand criteria using SMMT’s Automotive Supplier Finder (ASF), so suppliers are urged to keep ASF profiles accurate and up to date to improve their chance of invitation.
Enquiries should be sent to supplychain@smmt.co.uk.
