NAA Update: McLaren and Businesswise – the NAA’s networking events are back!
After a break of almost two years, the NAA’s physical networking events are back, with visits to McLaren and Businesswise in February. And we say goodbye to Carol Holden after 12 years of service to the NAA.
Welcome to this month’s newsletter and I hope that you are all keeping well.
I would like to open this month’s newsletter by giving you an organisational update. Carol Holden OBE, our Technical Specialist and past Chief Executive, has decided to retire at the end of this month after 12 years of sterling service to the NAA. I would personally like to thank Carol for her invaluable support in my first two years as Chief Executive and I’m sure you will all want to wish her the very best for her well-earned retirement.
After a break of almost two years, it has been great to get back to physical networking; with two events last month.
The first event was held at McLaren’s Composites Technology Centre in Rotherham, where the theme was “Modern Materials for the Automotive Industry”. Members were also given an update on the NAA’s involvement in the FAST STEP 3 Innovate UK programme. Please read the event review later in the e-news.
The second event was held at Businesswise Solutions’ Energy Centre in Nelson and the event theme was “Why the Spotlight is on the Automotive Supply Chain to Become Net Zero”. Please the read event review later in the e-news.
Elsewhere on the event front, this is the last chance to register for our webinar tomorrow (10 March) – hosted by NAA member company, Senseye, this event will focus on “The True Cost of Downtime to the Automotive Industry” – full details can be found here
AMRC North West are holding a fully funded “Principles of Lean Manufacturing” Workshop on 22 March. The full day workshop will provide an insightful overview of the principles and benefits of going lean. You will hear from experts who will take you through the pillars of lean manufacturing, demystifying the myths and demonstrating high-impact, easy-to-apply practises for your business full details can be found here
Our next Member Virtual Roundtable is scheduled for Thursday, 31 March – places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to register, please contact Zoe
Save the Date! – We can now announce that our 2022 Annual Awards & Networking Dinner will be held on Thursday, 22 September at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Knutsford. If you would like to be an Award or Event Sponsor, please contact Zoe
For the latest news on the training front, read on:
**Upcoming Core Tool Courses – Now Scheduled**
Core Tools Overview Course (1 Day) – 1 April
SPC (1 Day) – 26 April
MSA (1 Day) – 6 May
APQP (1 Day) – 19 May
PPAP (1 Day) – 16 June
IATF 16949:2016 – Internal Auditor Course (2 Days) – 24/25 May
All the above courses will be held virtually – If any of your employees / colleagues require this training, please register your interest with Zoe. Please note that we need to achieve a minimum number of delegates to run this course. Industry Forum – SMMT Oversight will once again provide the training – Industry Forum is the only training provider in the UK sanctioned to deliver SMMT Oversight approved core tools training and certification.
Additive Manufacturing – In partnership with member company 3DGBIRE and their CREATE project, the NAA is able to offer a two-day training course in Additive Manufacturing Technologies, covering an introduction, exploration and application of a wide variety of techniques including 3D scanning and printing. Please note however, that we need to achieve a minimum number of delegates per course to make this feasible. For further details please contact Zoe.
Elsewhere in this month’s newsletter, you can read about some of the latest developments from a selection of our other members, including Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford.
If you would like to submit content to feature in an upcoming e-news please contact Zoe.
Stay safe.
Paul Jones
NAA CEO
