Auto supply chain issues set for airing at special forum
THE future prospects for the UK-based automotive supply chain and the current potential to strengthen the industry’s supplier base will be the subject of a new forum taking place in Solihull next month.
The event has been organised by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and will discuss industry trends following the wave of investment pledged by global vehicle manufacturers during the past two years.
Speakers at the event, set for September 20, include: Richard Parry-Jones, Automotive Council Co-Chair, Jerry Hardcastle (Nissan Europe), Automotive Council Technology Group Chair and Dave Allen (Jaguar Land Rover), Automotive Council Supply Chain Group Acting Chair.
Speakers will also include Phil Davies, Automotive Analyst for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, who will outline the latest supply chain commodity opportunities in the UK, highlighting the key components that vehicle manufacturers are looking to source locally to support new model programmes.
Mick Aiers, Purchasing Manager, General Motors will explore the vehicle manufacturers’ perspective, discussing the emerging opportunities for Tier 1 suppliers and how these prospects should filter down to every level of the supply chain, retaining business here in the UK. Concluding the speaker sessions, Ian Henry, Director of AutoAnalysis, will provide an update on the current and future car production trends in Europe.
Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive said, “With global vehicle manufacturers pledging more than £5.8bn to UK automotive during the last two years, there is a now a ‘window of opportunity’ to strengthen the UK supply chain, creating high-value jobs and success for the long-term.
“SMMT’s Open Forum event underlines the varied opportunities awaiting UK-based suppliers and also provides a mechanism to discuss and facilitate the support needed to ensure that component companies at every level of the chain can access this exciting potential.”
People interested in attending the free event should email Claire Balch at cbalch@smmt.co.uk or telephone 020 7344 1636.
