As the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) celebrates its 10th anniversary, members have geared up for North East Automotive Expo 2024 in confident mood, with a survey revealing many companies are set to significantly increase investment levels in the next two years.
The annual North East Automotive Expo, being held on Thursday 26 September, at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland, has grown year-on-year since the NEAA was formed in 2014 and is recognised as the most influential event of its type within the UK automotive supply chain sector. With over 700 delegates set to attend, the Expo 2024 has attracted over 110 exhibitors who will connect, showcase, exchange ideas and inspire growth.
Paul Butler, chief executive of the NEAA, said: “This is a very special Expo as it is the 10th anniversary of the NEAA and this will certainly be an important theme of the event. We have achieved so much in the ten years and so many people, members and support organisations have made a phenomenal contribution to make the NEAA and the sector what it is today – the largest representative body within the UK automotive industry.
“While we will celebrate the past ten years we are, as always, looking to the future and our member survey has filled us with optimism. 64% of those surveyed have planned significant investment over the next two years, a clear signal the supply chain is confident and bullish about growth prospects. Reinforcing this optimism, 50% of members said they were expecting to announce significant automation projects, over the same period.
“These are very positive figures and an indication that the sector will continue to grow at pace and further jobs will be created. However, there is no room for complacency, as 64% said they are struggling to recruit the right calibre of people and this could seriously hold the sector back. The North East Local Skills Plan (NELSIP) highlighted this is a challenge for many sectors, and it’s clear it will be a key priority for the NEAA and will focus heavily in our Strategy 2030.”
Other survey findings showed that 72% said they would be implementing a digital strategy within the next two years and were equipped with the right skills to start that journey, whilst 77% have a sustainability strategy in place.
Meanwhile, plans for North East Automotive Expo 2024 are now complete.
The main stage, sponsored by UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing, will feature a series for presentations and panel discussions which will support some of the NEAA’s survey findings. This includes presentations on the NEAA’s 10-year journey, MADE NE (Manufacturing, Automation, Digitalisation, Electrification North East), Energy Use and Decarbonisation to Meet Net Zero Targets and a Digital Panel Discussion titled ‘The hardest part of a successful digital transformation is knowing where to start’.
New for 2024, the Skills Lounge, sponsored by Education Partnership North East (EPNE), is a place to meet, discuss and learn more about the skills provision and training opportunities in the North East region.
Sponsored by Prospot, Meet the Buyer will connect automotive buyers with potential suppliers to foster meaningful business connections. It is supported by buyers including Nissan, Komatsu UK, Unipres (UK), Marelli, AESC UK, Magna Exteriors, Elring Klinger GB, Nifco UK, Highly Marelli and Faltec Europe.
There are a range of exhibits planned in the Technology Showcase, sponsored by Manosun, in addition to several outside displays. These include a Komatsu Hybrid Excavator, Nissan Qashqai e-POWER, Vantec Interactive Experience (VIE) immersive suite, Bin Picking Application and MiR250 from Applied Integration and the V-CAL Project Teleoperations. iCart will unveil its latest advancement in collaborative robotics, the iCart Mobile Cobot (MC) Series. There will also be a VEX Robotics Showcase from four local schools – Bill Quay Primary School, Fellside Community Primary School, Portobello Primary School, and Wardley Primary School. Beyond science and engineering principles, VEX encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership and problem solving among groups. Offering this opportunity to schools allows young individuals to showcase their talents, mingle with businesses and form strong connections to help make their STEM endeavours sustainable.
A 10 Year Celebration Drinks Reception, sponsored by SMS Smart Manufacturing Solutions and SMS Tech, will take place at the Main Stage at the end of the day.
The Expo is also supported by Headline Sponsor, Sunderland City Council, Partner Sponsors, Invest South Tyneside, TR Fastenings and Hitachi Digital Solutions, Lunch Sponsor, Masfix, Breakfast Sponsor, Jabil, Refreshments Sponsor, SOS Industrial, Registration Sponsor, CMYK | Business Technology, and Expo Guide Sponsor, Horizon Works.