Component firms discuss recovery
AUTOMOTIVE component manufacturers from across the West Midlands gathered in Birmingham today to discuss the latest moves to revitalise the sector as the industry emerges from recession.
The meeting was organised by automotive supply chain support network Accelerate and is the first of its emergency forums to be held this year following a series of such conferences last year.
SMEs involved in car component manufacture have been invited to attend to talk about their experiences from the last three months, including fluctuations in sales, forthcoming production schedules and gaining access to finance.
Experts were also be on hand to talk in more detail about growing opportunities in low carbon technology and the availability of R&D Tax Credits, which may offer a potential source of growth for local firms.
Accelerate programme manager Rachel Eade was one of those to attend the European Automotive Strategy Network conference, which took place in Birmingham last week.
European strategists, backed by the automotive arm of Advantage West Midlands and regional MEP Malcolm Harbour, urged firms involved in the automotive supply chain to embrace the opportunities presented by new low carbon technology.
The region, due to its strong automotive heritage, has been helping to pioneer the new technology and the conference was told that as the low carbon vehicle supply chain was in its infancy then there many opportunities available for firms willing to develop new products.
However, the forum was also told that the internal combustion engine would not disappear overnight and there would be plenty of scope for firms involved in traditional manufacturing areas although they may have to look further afield for their markets.
The forum, organised in partnership with the Manufacturing Advisory Service-West Midlands and Business Link, was hosted by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.
