Birmingham LEP links with SMMT to highlight support for auto firms

THE Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership has joined forces with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) to provide an insight into support and future opportunities for automotive manufacturers in the region.

The event, which takes place on Thursday March 21, is one of a series of regional events organised by the SMMT targeted at SMEs.

Held at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Coventry, the event will focus on support available in the manufacturing heartland in association with the GBSLEP and the Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire LEPs.

During the morning the SMMT is holding an open forum focused on national issues, while the afternoon session will be specific to the West Midlands.

The event will feature presentations from GBSLEP board director Paul Heaven, Manufacturing Advisory Service Supply Chain Specialist Rachel Eade and representatives from UK Trade & Investment.

Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Institutive (AMSCI) programme director Jack Glonek will present about the third round of support available through the £125m national scheme which was launched last year to create more competitive supply chains and sustain or create new jobs.

Mr Heaven, also owner of Blue Sky Corporate Finance, said the West Midlands was the manufacturing and automotive centre of the UK and this was reflected in the focus of the support on offer through schemes such as AMSCI, European programmes and the Regional Growth Fund.

“There are schemes of various sizes and, in some cases, we may be able to form conglomerates of businesses together to form a consortium to bid for larger-scale support,” he said.

“This event is an opportunity for SMEs involved in automotive manufacturing to hear what is on offer from both the SMMT and Government-funded initiatives and how to access them.”

“The LEPs in this region, along with UKTI and MAS are already doing excellent work with SMEs and by bringing together everyone as part of this SMMT roadshow will highlight and explain the opportunities that are most useful.”

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