- The supplier makes a confidential, voluntary approach to SMMT for an initial consultation.
- If appropriate, SMMT sets up a ‘Safe Harbour’ for the supplier.
- SMMT invites the supplier’s stakeholders to join the Safe Harbour.
- The supplier and their stakeholder group convene for a collaborative, confidential discussion on how best to support the supplier through Covid-19.
- If needed SMMT arranges for an agreed Independent Third Party (ITP) to be brought on board to act as a ringleader and if needed undertake a business review and develop an action plan.
Safe Harbour is open to any UK based company operating in the automotive sector.
While the programme has been designed with automotive suppliers in mind, there are no limitations around company type, size or area of operation.
This unique and voluntary scheme has been setup specifically to support companies affected by Covid-19.
SMMT has created a process that addresses the traditional compliance issue which would ordinarily stop the formation of customer and stakeholder groups to support individual suppliers.
Safe Harbour provides an opportunity to address commercial issues head on with all stakeholders around the table, saving precious time and resource for all involved.
This allows the opportunity for stakeholders to explore collaborative solutions, from the simple to the complex, that are typically less achievable through independent dialogue.
