Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor is to bring a confident message around investment in high quality ‘Good Jobs-Green Jobs and manufacturing at the flagship North East Automotive Expo 2025 taking place on Thursday 25 September, at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland
It follows her backing this month for a £150m scheme at the Port of Tyne that could create thousands of jobs and put the North East at the centre of the green energy sector.
The Expo 2025, organised by North East Automotive Alliance, brings together companies from across the entire supply chain, including pioneering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), first tier suppliers, SMEs and specialist service providers.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA said: “We are delighted to welcome North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness to Expo 2025 and we look forward to her address around good jobs-green jobs and manufacturing. Sustainability is a key strategic imperative for the NEAA and its members and we applaud the Mayor for the leadership, investment and backing she is providing in this area, including some of the very significant announcements she has made recently.”
Unveiling a refreshed brand identity, the Expo continues to evolve and is a key event for driving business development, strengthening supply chain relationships and showcasing the region’s expertise in manufacturing and innovation.
Further highlighting the region’s leadership in electrification, the keynote will be delivered by Jeff Pratt, Head of UK Operations at AESC, who will talk about battery manufacturing in the UK and why the region is best placed to develop the next generation of electric vehicles.
Highly anticipated is the Women in Automotive Panel Discussion, with the theme Support, Promote, and Inspire.
Paul Butler added: “Statistics show a significant underrepresentation of women in UK manufacturing, including automotive. This panel will debate how the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors can increase the representation and advancement of women in roles at all levels, foster an inclusive and supportive environment that enables women to excel and lead and what we can collectively do to inspire future generations to want to work within the industry.”
Panel Speakers are Lucy Malarkey, Director, Positive About Inclusion (Panel Chair); Claire Jones, Head of Skills, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK; Abigail Kporo, Logistics Engineer, Vantec Europe Limited; Rachel Chambers, Commercial Director, Seaward Group; Rachel Skeoch, Director, Truenorth Marketing; Emelia Fishburn-Parkin, Maintenance Apprentice, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK; Caroline Preston, Shine Programme Manager, North East Combined Authority.
This year’s event will feature 100 exhibitors and is expected to attract over 800 delegates from across the UK from over 370 businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore new technologies, engage with key buyers and participate in a comprehensive programme of presentations and industry forums. The exclusive Meet the Buyer initiative, sponsored by Prospot, returns once again, along with the Tech Zone and Skills Lounge which will highlight innovation and workforce development.
The Expo is supported by a robust line-up of sponsors. Returning supporters include Sunderland City Council, Invest South Tyneside, TR Fastenings, Masfix, Prospot, Education Partnership North East, CMYK Business Technology, Smart Manufacturing Solutions, SMS Technology and Horizon Works. They are joined this year by new sponsors Pirtek Tyne and Wear, Preston Technical and Applied Integration.
Tickets can be secured at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-east-automotive-expo-2025-tickets-1371027984609?aff=oddtdtcreator