The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has announced a number of key speakers ahead of its first virtual Automotive Export Week (14-18 September).
The NEAA is collaborating with Supply Chain North East and the Department for International Trade (DIT) to ensure the virtual event invites businesses at every stage of the process, to explore key automotive markets, learn about all aspects of export, seek support from market specialists and trade champions, build contacts and meet potential customers.
North East automotive export champion, Chris Black, global sales director of TR Fastenings, will be sharing his knowledge of successful exporting. With over 30 years’ experience within the industry, Chris will talk about the successful growth of the TR Fastenings Group based on supplying automotive global customers.
Earlier this year, Chris was also announced as industrial lead for the new trade working group established by the NEAA, to support member needs in relation to trade activity. The trade working group is supporting the week-long event with NEAA project manager, Rohan Kohli, leading a presentation that outlines how companies can engage with the group.
Chris, said: “The virtual Automotive Export Week is, now more than ever, of extreme importance to the sector, and it is credit to the team at the NEAA that exporting remains high on the agenda for organisations who already trade oversees or are looking to boost sales.
“I will be talking about a wide range of topics, including investment and expansion to support sales growth regions at TR Fastenings, the strategy in place to supply and identify growth within the global electric vehicle market and supply chain, as well as exploring global sourcing teams, global logistics, and providing supply and cost benefits to our global automotive customers.
“The week will provide an ideal opportunity for businesses to expand their sector knowledge and to collaborate.”
The event is also supported by Ian Howard, international trade advisor at the department for international trade, who, along with other colleagues, will be taking part in one-to-one advisor meetings.
Ian, said: “My colleagues and I will be offering our support as part of the one-to-one advisor meetings, where companies who are looking for export and market advice can request time to speak to DIT representatives. This is a great initiative from the NEAA, and I look forward to a very comprehensive week of export activities.”
Other companies joining the speaker list for the week-long event include Santander, New Results, Horizon Works, Womble Bond Dickinson, ProGlove, XE, AVID Technology, Eltronis, Driving the Electric Revolution, North East England Chamber of Commerce and the Society of Motor Manufacturers.
Colin Simpson, business development director at multi-award-winning pump manufacturer and distributor, Tomlinson Hall & Co., will also be a speaker. As a Northern Powerhouse export champion, Tomlinson Hall is dedicated to growing its exports and has made a commitment to helping other companies do the same.
Paul Butler, chief executive, North East Automotive Alliance, said: “TR Fastenings and Tomlinson Hall are North East success stories when it comes to global trading and we are delighted both companies will share their knowledge and experiences with fellow members during our first ever virtual automotive export week.
“The opportunity to have a one-to-one meeting with international trade advisor, Ian Howard, and his colleagues, is not to be missed. This is a chance to speak to regional specialists who can help businesses in their export journey.
“The week will explore a number of topics from an update on the UK automotive sector plus 18 other country briefings, through to engaging with the NEAA trade group and other clusters including SMMT, NEECC and the European Automotive Cluster Network.”