The North East Automotive Expo 2017 will take place in Sunderland again this September and will see Judith Richardson from Nissan and Garry Wilson from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) deliver keynote speeches.
Judith Richardson, Vice President of Purchasing, Nissan Europe will give an overview of Nissan’s supply chain strategy and the future opportunities within the sector.
Judith comments on her intentions to speak at the event: “The combination of a responsive and agile supply chain in order to meet higher levels of customisation demanded by consumers and our strategy to maximise synergies across the Renault Nissan Alliance provides an unprecedented supply chain opportunity for the North East and UK automotive sector. The announcement to produce the next generation Juke, Qashqai and X-trail in Sunderland demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to make NMUK a European hub for our common modular family C/D vehicles.
“The North East Automotive Expo supports our localisation strategy and provides meet the buyer opportunities with key automotive companies whist showcasing the strength and breadth of the North East automotive sector.”
Garry Wilson, Director – Business Development, Advanced Propulsion Centre UK will talk about the funding opportunities through the APC and the launch of the EV Supply Chain Programme, which aims to support the significant scale up required to meet UK targets of zero emissions from 2040.
Garry comments: “I am very pleased to represent the APC at the North East Automotive Expo. We are very aware of the innovative companies that reside in the North East region and it is in our interests to communicate the benefits that the APC can offer these companies.
“I also look forward to taking part in this year’s Technology Showcase and hearing the latest technologies and applications that are coming from companies in the North East region, where the APC may be able to support.”
The Expo, which is the region’s only event solely focussed on the automotive sector, is supported by big name sponsors and will provide numerous opportunities for automotive suppliers and associated service companies to showcase their products and services.
MAKE it Sunderland will take Headline Sponsor for a third year, whilst the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) and Horizonworks Marketing will take Partner Sponsor and Event Guide Sponsor.
The Meet the Buyer, which facilitated 115 one-to-one meetings at least year’s event and is this year sponsored by TR Fastenings, has already gained support from Nissan, JLR, Komatsu, ZF TRW, Cummins, Calsonic Kansei, Gestamp, Nifco, Lear, The Explorer Group (Hymer) and Arlington Automotive.
The successful Technology Showcase will return again, giving companies a platform to showcase latest technologies or expand existing applications into the automotive sector. Organisers of the event, industry-led cluster group North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), is now looking for new innovation ideas and technology to be presented during the Technology Showcase, which is supported by KTN, the UK’s Innovation Network and the APC.
The programme will include the opportunity to deliver a three minute pitch to a sector-specific audience, as well as display products within the Technology Showcase hall. The pitch is open to all types of companies across the UK and applications can be downloaded from the NEAA website: https://www.northeastautomotivealliance.com/neaa-membership-services/events/expo-2017
Paul Butler, CEO said, “I am delighted to have Judith and Garry speak at this year’s event. Judith will offer an insight into the Nissan supply chain strategy, whilst Garry will speak about the support and funding opportunities through the APC.
“We are committed to keeping the expo industry-focussed and are confident this year’s event will provide even more opportunities for our members, SMEs and the wider automotive sector.
“We have already sold 75% of our exhibition space so we urge companies within the supply chain to secure your space now and also take advantage of the pre-event dinner, sponsored by South Tyneside Council, which will offer further networking opportunities.”
With more than 350 delegates expected to be present on the day, the event is proving to be a major attraction and provides a great opportunity to learn about the North East’s automotive industry, which is responsible for £11 billion in annual sales.
The Expo Dinner will take place on 27 September at the Roker Hotel and will play host to over 200 industry professionals and automotive VIPs. Sponsored by South Tyneside Council, the dinner will offer an ideal place to celebrate the success of the North East automotive sector.