News
NAA Update: Stellantis Luton plant closure, Ellesmere Port plant investment; Ford’s Halewood plant starts EV drive unit production
As the festive season approaches, there are some ups and downs: the UK automotive industry is waiting for the government to review the flexibilities of the zero emission vehicle mandate; in the meantime, Stellantis has announced plans to close its Luton plant, but to invest in EV production at Ellesmere Port, and Ford starts EV […]
NAA Member News: Bentley announces Beyond100+ strategic plan to 2035 and creates first ever electric Luxury Urban SUV
Last month, Bentley Motors announced an extension of its forward-thinking Beyond100 business strategy, now called Beyond100+, from 2030 to 2035. Bentley has also confirmed that its first fully electric car to be revealed in 2026 promises to create an entirely new segment, the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV. This model, designed, developed and to […]
NAA Member News: Brabners – Driving Global Talent: How Automotive Businesses Can Navigate International Hiring
With skilled workers in increasingly short supply, Ikram Malik, Partner at Brabners, highlights how business immigration can help the North West’s automotive sector to develop a healthy talent pipeline, and the key legal considerations for businesses looking to do so. The skills gap facing the UK’s manufacturing industry continues to represent one of the most […]
NAA Member News: Klarius Products – Supporting grassroots motorsport: Now and forever
For decades, Klarius has supported countless motorsport disciplines across the UK by designing and manufacturing high-quality emissions control components that help racing teams achieve success. Now, its commitment is extending beyond the realm of professional motorsport as the business provides material and technical support to university racing teams, fostering the next generation of engineers and […]
Other News: Ford Halewood begins production of eDrive electric power units
Ford’s Halewood plant has started production of its new eDrive electric power units which will feature in the electric versions of the UK’s best-selling vehicles, the Transit Custom and the Puma. This achievement follows a £380 million investment – including £30.9 million of governmental support via the Automotive Transformation Fund – to transform Halewood from […]
Other News: IoT enables businesses to prosper to benefit region
The Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology works with employers to provide the skilled workers industries need – now and in the future. Known as the IoT, it’s not one place but a collaboration of eight colleges working with businesses to co-create technical training courses. The colleges are Blackpool and the Fylde, Burnley, Nelson and Colne, […]
Other News: £3,000 for Lancashire employers who employ an apprentice
Lancashire County Council announced funding at the beginning of November to incentivise small and medium employers in Lancashire to recruit young apprentices. There are 100 incentive payments of £3,000 to Lancashire employers who recruit, and employ, an apprentice under twenty-five years old before 30th September 2025. The number of apprenticeship starts for this age category […]
In the Driving Seat: Ian Hubbard, Warwick Acoustics
Find out all about Ian Hubbard, including his best motoring moment of driving to Cornwall in his 1980’s VW Polo Mk2 with surfboards on the roof… Name Ian Hubbard Company Warwick Acoustics Ltd. Position Chief Commercial Officer What does your company do? We create ground-breaking in-cabin audio experiences for the automotive industry with our innovative […]
NAA Event Review: Helical Technology
Our most recent event saw us visit Helical Technology at both the company’s Warton Technical Centre and its Lytham production facility. We were welcomed by Managing Director, Alistair Morris and Operations Manager, Chris Waddington. Delegates were given an overview of the Helical business by Global Sales Manager, Johann Bustin, from its beginnings in 1962 as […]
NAA Events January & February 2025
Networking Event Hosted by Electra Commercial Vehicles, Brighouse, Huddersfield 23 January / 12:00 – 15:30 Includes networking lunch and site tour NAA Webinar Hosted by Grant Thornton 6 February / 11:00 – 12:00 Industry Outlook NAA Members’ Virtual Roundtable 27 February / 11:00 – 12:00 A great way to network with fellow members from your […]