One of the most highly valued benefits of SMMT membership is the opportunity to build meaningful business connections and it was in full action last week with our Meet the Buyer and Meet the Van Accessories events taking place at Automechanika Birmingham (AMB). With more than 250 targeted business meetings taking place across two days, our members were able to explore new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships and unlock growth.
For the past seven years, SMMT’s Meet the Buyer programme has played a pivotal role in connecting UK-based specialist component suppliers with major vehicle manufacturers – championing the ‘Made in Britain’ ethos and helping to support the reshoring of supply chains. Last week, the event was part of AMB’s Supply Chain Forum and every available meeting room was booked for one-to-one sessions, reflecting high demand for direct engagement between buyers and suppliers. These meetings are not just conversations but the seeds of future contracts, collaborations and innovations.
SMMT has previously held Meet the Van Converter events but for the first time this year, we introduced Meet the Van Accessories to cater specifically to the growing aftermarket for light commercial vehicles. Volume manufacturers connected with companies offering accessory solutions and, despite its niche focus, the event proved was high on impact – with a full day of productive meetings that highlighted the vibrancy and increasing potential of this segment.
There is more to come this month as in just two weeks’ time, SMMT will host its flagship International Automotive Summit in London – a must-attend event for anyone in the automotive industry given the sweeping impact of global trade issues this year. The event will bring together 300 senior leaders from vehicle and component manufacturers, the aftermarket, government and the media, with a series of keynote speeches and panel sessions. The panel ‘UK Automotive Manufacturing – A Modern Industrial Strategy for a Modern Industry’, for example, including commercial vehicle representatives, will explore how the UK’s upcoming Industrial Strategy needs to support the automotive sector.
Anyone is welcome to attend, however SMMT members are entitled to a complimentary place. With only a few spots remaining, now is the time to act and book your place here.
