- SMMT brings together automotive and business leaders from across the region for special automotive event in Bolton.
- Key agenda items include Brexit preparations and supply chain opportunities in the North West.
- Speakers from Bentley, Vauxhall and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.1
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will bring together the UK’s North West automotive sector tomorrow at a special event taking place in Bolton. The SMMT Regional Forum is part of ongoing efforts by SMMT to highlight automotive opportunities in the area and to provide key networking and support events for member companies right across the UK.
The SMMT Regional Forum will provide a chance for automotive companies from across the North West to get the latest sector news, as well as advice on how best to prepare for Brexit. Companies attending will be able to access all the latest guidance and support from SMMT, including information on funding, growth and international trade activities and events.
The North West is one of the UK’s most important locations for automotive manufacturing, with many global companies firmly established in the area, including Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Leyland Trucks and Vauxhall producing thousands of cars and commercial vehicles each year. Hundreds of supply chain companies across the region also contribute to this success story, including international brands such as BorgWarner, Delphi Automotive and Gefco.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,
The North West is a centre for automotive excellence in the UK, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and creating vehicles which are in strong demand across the world. To drive further growth, businesses need to mitigate risk and prepare as best they can for Brexit, despite the ongoing uncertainty. SMMT’s Regional Forum will provide a key opportunity to get the latest industry insight and advice, and help companies prepare in uncertain times. We look forward to seeing many members at the event and highlighting the key role the North West plays in the UK automotive sector.
SMMT’s Regional Forum, which is free to SMMT members, takes place at Bolton Whites Stadium on Thursday 23 November. Attendees will include OEMs, Tier 1, medium and small suppliers. The event will also feature an exhibition of more than 26 SMMT member businesses and opportunities for networking. Companies registered to attend include: BorgWarner, BMW Group, GKN, Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Volvo and Vauxhall.
Notes
1. Speakers include: Philip Cox, Chief Executive, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); David Hall, Purchasing Manager, Bentley; Nathan McArdle, Manager Advanced Development Programmes, BorgWarner; Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, SMMT; and Helen Foord, Head of Government Relations and Public Policy, Vauxhall.
