Automotive businesses from across the UK assembled today at Cranmore Park in Birmingham to participate in a unique networking event designed to match OEM demand to capable UK-based suppliers.
Co-ordinated by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in support of the objectives of the Automotive Council, the networking event was set up to promote and encourage sourcing from more locally based suppliers following genuine interest and commitment from global vehicle manufacturers in building a stronger UK-based supply chain. The day was supported by major OEMs including Aston Martin, BMW Group, Ford, General Motors UK, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Leyland Trucks and Nissan.
“The industry networking event supports the work of the Automotive Council and provides an excellent mechanism to facilitate business opportunities between the OEMs and the UK supply base,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “UK-based supply companies have already made significant investment into low carbon technology and remain well placed to respond to further market opportunities.”
The Automotive Council was announced in November 2009 as part of government’s response to recommendations made in the industry-led report from the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team. The Automotive Council is co-chaired by business secretary Vince Cable and Richard Parry-Jones. It has two sub-groups – the Supply Chain Group chaired by Bill Parfitt, GM UK and the Technology Group which is chaired by Jerry Hardcastle from Nissan.
The participating supply chain companies for this particular event were selected via SMMT’s Automotive Supplier Finder (ASF) database (www.autosupplierfinder.com), a tool designed specifically to match buyers to suppliers.
