The North East Automotive Expo will return to its home at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland this September, promising to drive growth and provide a much-needed platform to reconnect the region’s automotive sector.
The Expo, which was cancelled last year due to the on-going pandemic, will see a number of experts take to the stage, including keynote speaker Britishvolt. The event, which will have in excess of 120 stands, will include insights into the latest industry trends, meet the buyer opportunities, interactive features and key activities designed to meet business needs.
The flagship exhibition, which is returning for a sixth year, will connect suppliers and technology providers face-to-face with the automotive community, to facilitate business and knowledge exchange on the show floor. Its aim is to provide mechanisms to support business recovery and expansion as the country navigates its way out of the pandemic.
Ben Kilbey, chief communications officer, Britishvolt, said: “Britishvolt look forward to being part of this live event, where people can meet and interact, in accordance with government guidelines. Having previously worked with the NEAA on a remote supplier outreach initiative, which was a huge success, it will be excellent to get the human touch and really embed the Britishvolt narrative and its importance to the local and national economy.”
The Expo has attracted a number of leading sponsors including headline sponsor, Sunderland City Council, partner sponsors, Invest South Tyneside, NA College and Advanced Electric Machines, along with additional sponsorship from ThinkPrime, Invest North East England, Masfix and Ekobox, CMYK and Horizon Works, with support from Advance Northumberland.
Paul Butler, chief executive officer at North East Automotive Alliance, said: “After a challenging period for many of our members and the wider supply chain, the welcome return of the region’s flagship annual automotive and networking event is a much-needed boost. Not only will it help the sector get back to face-to-face business, it will also celebrate the resilience of the businesses within it and provide conviction that business is starting to return to a more normal way of operating. We are confident that the level of attendance this year will be as good as ever as there is a huge appetite amongst the members for a return to in-person interactions that help drive industry growth.
“The Expo has historically attracted a fantastic mix of delegates from OEMs, buyers and manufacturers to technology and service providers, as well as investors and government representatives. This year, Britishvolt will feature as our keynote speaker and there will be a big focus on future technology and electrification, as we move towards our 2050 net zero target.
“I am thankful that the event has already attracted a wealth of sponsors from some fantastic regional and national companies who are working with us to ensure we deliver a great come back Expo.
“The safety of our attendees is a high priority and we have made changes to the exhibition floor layout to allow for safer movement of people and social distancing. The Expo is about connecting people in order to provide benefit and so the health and safety of our delegates, exhibitors and staff, is of the utmost priority. Our team is working to implement all necessary precautions in line with Government guidance and we will keep attendees informed throughout.”