Expo kick starts recovery for automotive industry
It was a record-breaking return for the North East Automotive Alliance’s flagship Expo at Sunderland’s Beacon of Light.
The event attracted over 670 delegates, 124 exhibitors and 14 sponsors - providing a long-awaited opportunity to network and gain insights on the event’s key themes of electrification and industrial digitalisation.
In addition, over 110 oneto-one meet the buyer appointments took place with ten of the region’s automotive companies, including Nissan, Komatsu and their Tier 1 suppliers.
Paul Butler, North East Automotive Alliance chief executive, said: “The team at the NEAA worked tirelessly to make sure that the day was as safe as possible, and we were very much aware that for some exhibitors and delegates this would be the biggest in-person event they had attended for nearly two years.
"There was a real sense of camaraderie and the feeling that exhibitors and delegates were supporting and encouraging each other after all the industry and the country had been through.”
He added: “On a personnel level, the fact we were providing people with an opportunity to connect with friends and contacts was very gratifying.
“From a supply chain perspective, the race to carbon neutral is now driving most agendas and for that reason, we had a very strong focus on electrification and future technology.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council – a partner Expo sponsor – said: “This flagship event continues to highlight the importance of the automotive sector in our region.
“One of our priorities is to create the conditions for recovery and investment but we cannot do this alone.”
She added: "By working hand in hand with the business community we can generate confidence and growth.
“The International Advanced Manufacturing Plant (IAMP) is testament to partnership working as is the collaboration of Sunderland and South Tyneside Councils creating public and private sector opportunity.
"The approval of plans for Envision AESC’S new Gigafactory is further proof of the rewards of hard work and partnership working.”