News
NAA Update: DRIVE35 Funding Programme to provide £2.5 billion of funding for zero emission vehicles
The DRIVE35 Funding Programme will provide capital and R&D funding for the UK automotive industry in the design, development and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles and their supply chain. Welcome to this month’s newsletter, and I hope you are all keeping well and that you were able to take a summer break. I want to […]
NAA Member News: 3D 360 – The EV Skills Gap Is Real, Cumbria Businesses Have a Funded Opportunity to Get Ahead
There is a growing EV technician skills gap. Funded IMI-accredited EV Skills Bootcamps are now available in Cumbria, helping local garages, service centres and technicians gain the expertise they need to meet demand quickly and close the gap. The UK’s shift to electric vehicles is accelerating, but technician training is lagging dangerously behind. Recent figures […]
NAA Member News: BCW Engineering Celebrates Prestigious JLRQ Award with Jaguar Land Rover Visit to Burnley HQ
BCW Engineering Ltd has proudly received the Jaguar Land Rover Quality (JLRQ) award, marking a major milestone in its journey as a Tier 1 supplier to one of the UK’s most iconic automotive manufacturers. The award presentation took place in July at BCW’s Innovation Drive headquarters in Burnley, where senior representatives from Jaguar Land Rover […]
NAA Member News: Brabners – Adapting to automation: key employment considerations for fleets
With autonomous driving technology set to reshape the automotive sector, Christine Hart, Legal Director at purpose-led law firm Brabners, explores the key workforce considerations for businesses in the sector looking to navigate the transition. In June, the UK government announced its £2.5bn DRIVE35 programme – a decade-long initiative to support the automotive industry’s transition to […]
NAA Member News: Mercury Hampton – Could a Different Payroll Solution Save Your Business Time and Money?
Managing workforce costs in the UK automotive sector is an ongoing challenge. Orders fluctuate with market signals, regulatory deadlines shift, and production schedules change quickly. For many UK businesses, maintaining both agility and compliance is difficult, especially as regulations evolve (most notably with rising NI costs) and traditional payroll systems are not designed for flexibility. […]
NAA Member News: Protium and ULEMCo Sign MOU to Accelerate Adoption of UK Hydrogen Transport
Protium and ULEMCo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on building demand for green hydrogen fuel in transport applications. While the collaboration reflects a shared nationwide ambition, the immediate focus will be on Wales and southern England, where Protium currently operates the Pioneer 1 hydrogen production facility. The partnership aims to […]
Other News: Skills Barometer 2025
New-look employees who break the mould are helping businesses address skills gaps across the region, according to the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT). The IoT is a collaboration of eight colleges, three universities and businesses across Lancashire and Cumbria, coming together to provide technical training. Employers feedback their skills needs and the IoT […]
Other News: T Level Results Day 2025: A new generation of engineers gears up for industry
As students across the country received their T Level results last month, a new wave of skilled, work-ready talent is set to enter the world of engineering and manufacturing. T Levels are two-year technical qualifications for 16 -19 year olds, developed in collaboration with employers to equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and real-world […]
In the Driving Seat: Chris Ratter, Grooveliner
Chris Ratter is Director of Grooveliner, a company offering a tow hitch-mounted electric e-bike rack, but Chris also has an interesting history including competing in the 2014 Dakar Rally in an 18-tonne Renault truck… Name Chris Ratter Company Grooveliner Position Director Apart from that Director Xceed Motorsport (off-road driver training and off-road racing vehicle preparation). […]
NAA Events Sep-Nov 2025
Members’ Virtual Roundtable 11 September / 11:00 – 12:00 / Teams A great way to network from your office, car or on the move! NAA Annual Networking Dinner & Business Awards 18 September Crewe Hall, Cheshire Networking Event Hosted by O&H Vehicle Conversions Goole, East Yorkshire 23 October / 12:00 – 15:15 Includes networking lunch […]
