NAA Update: A thriving automotive industry can drive a successful Britain
With the country now in the full campaign phase of a long-awaited election, planning for a sustainable and competitive future, one in which the UK can lead, must be a top priority for any incoming government. A thriving automotive industry can drive a successful Britain that’s decarbonising, serving society, competing globally and delivering new jobs – but we need smart policymaking to create the conditions for that success.
A watershed moment came last month with the approval of the Automated Vehicles Bill, backed by all parties, to put the UK alongside a handful of other nations with regulatory frameworks for self-driving vehicles. It gives our domestic industry the clarity it needs to turn ambition into reality, opening the door to innovation that will revolutionise society and road safety.
From a regional perspective, it was great to see the SMMT Regional Forum return to the North West last week, with the event taking place at the Rum Warehouse & Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. Delegates were able to hear about how our region has benefitted from over £3.5bn of investment in recent years, in the transition to vehicle electrification. This was showcased in a wide range of presentations from a number of NAA members, including Stellantis, Bentley Motors, Leyland Trucks, JLR, DHL Supply Chain and Adient.
Moving on to the membership side, I would like to welcome another new member this month:
Great Central Plastics – Based in Northamptonshire, they are one of the leading injection moulding companies in the region. Their expertise lies in precision-crafted plastic components, tailored specifically to the automotive industry. Whether it’s automotive badges or other critical parts, they deliver high-quality solutions that meet the industry’s exacting standards – we will hear more from Great Central Plastics in an upcoming e-news.
Elsewhere, as highlighted in last month’s e-news, the NAA Annual Awards & Networking Dinner will take place on Thursday 19 September at Crewe Hall, Cheshire and I am delighted to announce that the NAA Business Awards are now OPEN!, with two new categories for 2024!
Award Categories – Open to ALL Companies
Design & Innovation Award – Sponsored by The Abbey Group
International Trade Award – Sponsored by Amann Threads
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award (*New for 2024) – Sponsored by Blackpool & The Fylde College
Environmental & Sustainability Award (*New for 2024) – Sponsored by CEVA Logistics
Award Categories – Open to SMEs Only
Manufacturing Excellence Award – Sponsored by JLR
People & Skills Award – Sponsored by The Blair Project
Further details can be found on the NAA website and application forms can be obtained from Zoe.
Elsewhere in this month’s newsletter, you can read about some of the latest developments from a selection of our other members, including DHL, Electra Commercial Vehicles, ULEMCo, Warwick Acoustics and more…
Join NAA Member, 3D 360 on Wednesday, 19 June 19, at Birchwood Park, to align with Global MND Awareness Day (21 June) for a night of raising awareness and supporting those affected by Motor Neurone Disease / ALS – this year they will be screening the famous Top Gun Maverick movie, so please support if you can – full details can be found later in the e-news.
Moving on to member networking activities, the latest in our regular series of webinars last month was on the subject of “Skills Support for Electrification”, delivered by Enginuity – a full review can be found later in the e-news.
Our May networking event was hosted by OMRON UK at the historic RAF Museum Cosford in the Midlands, where participants had the opportunity to experience a wide range of solutions that redefine flexible, efficient, and sustainable production for the factory of the future, usually inaccessible beyond the factory due to their size and scale – a full review can be found later in the e-news.
Dates for your diary – NAA Events / Webinars:
13 June / 12:00 – 15:30 – Tomorrow! There may be some space, contact Zoe
NAA Networking Event, hosted by Siemens, Manchester
“Accelerate your Digital Transformation”
Digital technologies provide new and innovative ways for businesses to reach their digitalisation and sustainability goals. But driving this transformation faster, easier and at scale is a challenge for many.
The potential benefits of digital technologies for businesses in terms of both digitalisation and sustainability are vast. However, navigating the complexities of this transformation can indeed be challenging.
With Siemens Xcellerator the open digital business platform that enables our customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster and at scale.
The event will include an optional tour of the Digital Experience Centre to see fully operational examples of transformative digital technologies.
20 June / 11.00 – 12.00
NAA Webinar, hosted by Gatsby Charitable Foundation – “T Levels”
The Gatsby Charitable Foundation is working with the Department for Education to understand how businesses across the Engineering and Manufacturing sectors are engaging with T Levels. Join us if you would like to find out more about T Levels and how they can help address the skills shortage and build your talent pipeline.
4 July / 11.00 – 12.00
NAA Webinar, hosted by Fitfactory – “Digital Transformation for SMEs: A benefit not a burden”
This webinar will provide a guide for manufacturers looking to either begin or advance in their digital transformation journey. A promised jargon-free session highlighting some of the available solutions that can help manufacturing businesses streamline and scale their factory operations.
12 July / 10:00 – 13:00
NAA Networking Event, hosted by Toyota, Deeside
Our July networking event will take place at Toyota in Deeside.
The Engine Plant employs over 600 members on a site covering 115 acres/0.48 million square metres.
Engines are produced through a process of Aluminium casting, Machining and Assembly before final inspection and despatch to vehicle plants.
In addition to supplying the Burnaston Vehicle Assembly Plant, Deeside currently exports engines and machined components to South Africa, Turkey and Japan and were the first overseas plant to produce Toyota’s class leading hybrid engines.
More details to follow via direct html – pre-register now with Zoe
(FREE to NAA Members; Fee applies to Non-members)
19 September / 19:00 – 24:00
NAA Annual Awards & Networking Dinner
The NAA Annual Awards & Networking Dinner will take place on Thursday 19 September and will be held at Crewe Hall, Cheshire.
Contact Zoe to book a table or individual places.
If you would like to register for any of the above NAA events and/or webinars, please contact Zoe.
Other Events:
17 – 20 June
Mexico Scoping Trade Mission
Automotive & Advanced Engineering Business Opportunities
The Department for Business and Trade at the British Embassy in Mexico (DBT) invites UK companies specialised in Automotive, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, interested in learning more about the Mexican Market, and developing potential exports to Mexico. UK companies can join them for a 4-day Market Visit and Showcase in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Expo Maq is a leading, 3-day event for the Metalworking, Machine Tooling and Manufacturing Technology sectors in Latin America. DBT Mexico will host a stand that companies are welcome to use free of charge. In addition, DBT Mexico will provide a 1-day agenda of activities including meetings and presentations by local stakeholders (from both government and private sector) that can provide further insight into doing business in the region.
11 July / 09:00 – 12:00
Lancashire LSIP Conference
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Samlesbury
Join employers, skills providers and local stakeholders for the Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan Conference.
With a packed schedule of speakers to be announced, the LSIP Conference will provide an overview of what has been achieved to tackle employers’ skills needs and what is still to come.
This one-off event at the Brockholes Nature Reserve in the heart of Lancashire will bring together people who have informed the LSIP of the county’s skills priorities and those who are working to deliver on those important needs.
As well as being an informative morning there will be an opportunity to network and meet other people involved in the LSIP programme, with breakfast and refreshments included.
17 – 18 July 2024
Siemens Transform 2024 Explores Digital and Sustainability Transformation in Live UK Event
17-18 July marks the return of Siemens Transform to Manchester Central. Join thousands of participants across industry for a unique technology showcase and discover how to transform the everyday, for everyone. Co-create real solutions for your business, explore the latest technology, collaborate with leading industry experts, and feel empowered to make a lasting impact. Join a community solving today’s most pressing challenges and discover tangible solutions to be more competitive, resilient, and sustainable to accelerate your transformation in 2024 and beyond.
Click here to register for Siemens Transform
CENEX-LCV and CENEX CAM become CENEX EXPO
Wednesday 4 September & Thursday 5 September 2024
Book your stand for Cenex Expo 2024
Cenex Expo (previously known as Cenex-LCV and Cenex-CAM) will continue to be held at UTAC Millbrook on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th September 2024. In 2023, there were 4,715 attendees, 227 exhibitors and 165 speakers with this year due to be bigger and better – an event not to be missed!
Sales are now open. You can view the Cenex Expo sales prospectus here. Following the success of last year’s event, demand for exhibition space is already extremely high, so secure your stand now.
Contact exposales@cenex.co.uk for more information.
National Manufacturing Day
Thursday 26 September
Make UK is spearheading the campaign and is inviting every manufacturing company across the UK to take part in this national day of celebration. The idea is simple – manufacturers just have to invite a section of the local community into their business. Showcasing first-hand the breadth of diverse and well-paid career opportunities on offer to schools, colleges, friends and family, and local job seekers – full details can be found later in the e-news.
Global Manufacturing Technology Show
Liverpool
Wednesday 27 November & Thursday 28 November 2024
A brand-new exhibition and conference, taking place in the northern heart of UK manufacturing.
The Global Manufacturing Technology Show stands at the forefront of industrial innovation, nestled in the industrious North of England. This event is not just a local affair but an international showcase for industry intelligence, transformation, and acceleration.
The two day event, taking place in the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool on 27 and 28 November 2024, connects the manufacturing sector with hundreds of innovative companies who provide the very latest cutting-edge technology, products and services to help navigate the ever-evolving world of modern manufacturing. Further details can be found here www.gmtechshow.co.uk
Training:
We have a full list of Core Tools and IATF16949:2016 training dates on the NAA training hub – Contact Zoe if you have any requirements for the following courses:
FMEA; SPC; APQP; MSA; PPAP or IATF16949:2016 Internal Auditor
Finally, if any of your colleagues aren’t already receiving this e-news, and you think it may be of interest to them, please ask them to sign up with Zoe.
Paul Jones
NAA CEO
