SMMT Events

Regional Events

SMMT organise a series of regional events throughout the year for UK automotive companies in the North, Midlands and South.

SMMT Regional Networking events offer SMMT members the opportunity to network, build relationships and knowledge share. The SMMT Regional Forum provides a platform for discussion on the opportunities and challenges for the automotive industry in the region and regularly attracts 200+ senior automotive delegates, from a wide range of companies including vehicle manufacturers, global and local suppliers.

  • SMMT Regional Forum provided a platform for discussion on the opportunities and challenges for the automotive industry in the region and regularly attracts 200+ senior automotive delegates, from a wide range of companies including vehicle manufacturers, global and local suppliers.

    This is a must attend event for those looking to network with key contacts within the UK automotive industry.

    The sessions highlighted key industry insights for the region and how companies are responding to the need to develop the UK’s EV capability.

     

    With Speakers From:

    Logos for Adient, Bentley Motors, DHL, Ford, Invest Liverpool, JLR, Leyland Trucks and Stellantis

     

    Agenda

    Session One

    Welcome introduction by Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, SMMT
    Simon Reid, Assistant Director – Business Growth, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
    Diane Miller, Plant Director, Stellantis
    Andreas Lehe, Board Member for Manufacturing, Bentley Motors
    Peter Ahrens, Managing Director, Leyland Trucks

    Session Two

    Trevor Leeks, Operations Director, JLR
    Paul Cross, Senior Business Development Director – Auto-Mobility, DHL
    Lee Meyers, Plant Manager, Ford Halewod Transmission Plant
    Steve Semple, Adient Platform Director for JLR Nissan and Toyota, Adient

    Highlights from the Regional Forum

  • Regional Networking events offer SMMT members the opportunity to network, build relationships and knowledge share. Free for SMMT members to attend and lunch is included.

    Join SMMT at the next Regional Networking events:

    29 January 2025, 12:00-14:00
    Catesby Projects

    Office 5 Catesby Innovation Centre, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 3FQ

    Catesby Projects is an engineering and design consultancy, specialising in aerodynamics. Its engineers have worked behind the scenes to deliver world class aerodynamic and engineering solutions to championship winning race teams, automotive OEMs and Olympic champions.

    Catesby Projects are also an official reseller of Catesby Tunnel, the world’s longest indoor vehicle testing facility. Housing a 2.7km long asphalt testing section, Catesby Tunnel allows for an extensive range of vehicle assessment studies to be carried out on full-scale vehicles. The sealed working section provides consistent environmental conditions for assured repeatable testing.

    The event is free to attend and open to all SMMT members (limited to two per company). Lunch is included.

    REGISTER FOR REGIONAL NETWORKING

    26 February 2025, 12:00-14:00
    UTAC

    Milbrook, Bedford, MK45 2JQ

    Since 1924, UTAC has been at the forefront​ of the mobility industry, advancing it towards​ a safer and cleaner future. They provide a large range of services to bring your vehicle to the market. ​​With a global presence and a team of trusted​ experts, UTAC continues to shape the future​ of mobility. Striving to provide agile services​ that help to fulfill their mission: leading the​ mobility industry to new frontiers.

    UTAC has a test centre and laboratories at its site of Millbrook situated mid-way between London and Birmingham and at Leyland test laboratories in the North West. The proving ground in Millbrook offers over 70 km of unique tracks: high speed circuit, 4×4 tracks, alpine tracks, durability, as well as facilities dedicated to connected and automated vehicles. This site is particularly at the forefront of electrification, with a wide and diversified offer: a recently enlarged battery test centre, laboratories specialized in crash tests, fire tests and hills.

    The event is free to attend and open to all SMMT members (limited to two per company). Lunch is included.

    REGISTER FOR REGIONAL NETWORKING

    27 March 2025, 12:00-14:00
    Cornish Lithium

    Trelith Processing Site, St Dennis, Saint Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8DY

    Cornish Lithium is a pioneering mineral exploration and development company focused on the environmentally responsible extraction of lithium from geothermal waters and hard rock in the historic mining district of Cornwall.

    The Company has secured agreements with the owners of mineral rights over a large area of the County and is using modern technology to re-evaluate the region for its potential to produce lithium and other vital technology metals in a low carbon and low impact manner. A secure domestic supply of such metals is considered vital to the industrial strategy of the UK as it moves towards Net Zero 2050 and the production of electric vehicles.

    The event is free to attend and open to all SMMT members (limited to two per company). Lunch is included.

    REGISTER FOR REGIONAL NETWORKING