News
Funding News: Shell launches national search for next big low carbon business idea
Small enterprises looking for a “no strings attached” financial boost to aid the development of innovative, low-carbon business ideas can now apply for an award from Shell Springboard. Now in its eighth year, Shell Springboard offers businesses the chance to win up to £40,000 to help make their commercially viable ideas a reality Nine awards […]
NAA Skills Update: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills
Dear “Angry of Automotive”. Thank you for your comments regarding the content of my skills articles in the NAA newsletter. I am sorry that you feel that I put too much emphasis on apprenticeships, however I do take exception to your description of my passion for apprenticeships as “verging on an unhealthy obsession”. To prove […]
NAA Update: NAA Extension, more Funding opportunities, and Awards Dinner
Read Carol’s news about the NAA Extension decision, more funding opportunities, the NAA Awards dinner, and the next meeting at Electron Technical Solutions. It seems months ago since the Annual Awards Dinner at Carden Park, everyone that I spoke to was very complimentary about the event and venue and we already have offers of sponsorship […]
NAA Business Excellence Programme Update: Astounding Support for Business Excellence Programme extension to June 2015
I am very impressed with the level of support received from our sector for the Business Excellence extension and would like to say a big thank you, On 6 November our proposal to extend the project was reviewed by the European Regional Development Performance Monitoring Sub-Committee (PMSC). This group is a regional leaders group primarily […]
SMMT News: UK is ‘Destination Of Choice’ For Global Automotive Investment
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched a new report, compiled by KPMG, that sets out why the UK has become a destination of choice for global vehicle manufacturers. The report also explains the major supply chain opportunities that exist and what makes the UK an increasingly attractive market. ▪Automotive manufacturing forecast […]
The Niche Vehicle Network, Technology Strategy Board, BIS and OLEV jointly announce a further call for collaborative R&D projects – 21 November deadline
A Systems R&D Competition will provide a total fund of £350,000 for niche vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and technology organisations who wish to collaborate on innovative, industry-led projects focussing on developing and demonstrating system-level road-vehicle technology. The categories are: Carbon Reduction & Improved Fuel Efficiency – electric & hybrid road-vehicle development, use of alternative fuels, reduced […]
NAA Business Excellence Programme Update – September/October 2012
Through the Business Excellence programme in September we took North West delegations to the Cenex LCV event at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford, and to Automechanika in Frankfurt. Cenex LCV Companies attending included: mi-technology and Oaktec & GO-Tec. The event was back at Millbrook this year with the vehicle ride & drive opportunities sandwiched between […]
NAA Skills Update: Hard facts about Apprenticeships
Those of you who have met me or have read my newsletter articles will know that I am constantly ‘banging the drum’ for apprenticeships. Well, I make no excuse for this because I have seen wonderful examples of how training and development through an apprentice framework can bring enormous benefits to apprentices and businesses alike […]
Auto Industry Gives Government Steer On Industrial Strategy
Following government’s commitment to a formalised industrial strategy, the automotive industry has set out six key areas that will drive economic growth and make the UK a highly competitive global business location for automotive investment… Read more “Growing our manufacturing base and rebalancing the economy must be a national priority for all areas of government […]
Cash incentive for manufacturers to create 200 full-time jobs for graduates
PRESS RELEASE, 24 SEPTEMBER 2012 An additional 200 graduates are expected to be recruited by businesses in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector across theUKafter funds to support their employment and training were announced today. Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing submitted a proposal to the UK Commission for Employment and […]












