NEAA showcase helps NE’s auto sector to hit the fast lane
Small businesses across Wearside get a chance to pitch to the region’s automotive giants this week.
The fully-funded North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) SME Showcase will be held on Thursday at the Nissan sports and leisure complex, next to the Sunderland plant.
NEAA chief executive Paul Butler said: “The Showcase event is part of the NEAA’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme, Advancing the Competitiveness of North East Automotive SME (ACE SME).
“It provides a fantastic opportunity for SME companies who are seriously interested in developing their presence in the automotive sector, to promote their products and services and engage and network with the region’s leading automotive companies.
“Over 80 companies have so far signed up, ranging from IT systems specialists to manufacturers and we would be delighted to have more SMEs from the region join the programme, exhibit at this event and benefit from the many activities the programme brings.
“The event is a free drop-in day for delegates.
“We already have over 100 delegates signed up to attend including representatives from many of the region’s leading automotive companies.
“These companies often are not aware of the excellent capabilities of the SMEs in our region, so this event is critical in helping them learn more about the growing automotive supply chain capability in the North East.”
The automotive sector is a major contributor to the region’s economy.
More than 30,000 people are directly employed in the industry, currently generating £11billion in sales for the region’s economy – £6billion of which is export.
To attend the showcase as a delegate or to join the NEAA ACE SME Programme, contact sme@northeastautomotivealliance.com or call 0191 516 4400.