The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has announced that its highly successful meet the buyer, member sales-generating event, will be held online on Wednesday 24 February 2021.
Komatsu, Cummins, ElringKlinger, Unipres, Minth Automotive and Magna Exteriors are confirmed as buyers.
This will be the fifth automotive meet the buyer event, hosted by the NEAA, which is usually held as part of the North East Automotive Expo and the first as a stand-alone online alternative.
The networking platform is for companies already operating in the industry, as well as those looking to expand into automotive and will look to match-make buyers and suppliers in the areas of plant support and plant technology. The event will also offer innovative and industry-leading companies, the opportunity to pitch at a technology showcase, aimed at supporting plant innovation in the region. Confirmed sponsors are MAKE it Sunderland, North East LEP and Invest South Tyneside.
In light of the current Covid-19 situation, government advice and the safety of its members, the NEAA has taken the decision to cancel its North East Automotive Expo 2020, which had already been rescheduled to December, of which meet the buyer was a very successful component.
In the past, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, Jaguar Land Rover and Hitachi Consulting have headlined the one-day event which takes place at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland, bringing together over 500 industry delegates. It has also drawn support from other previous buyers including Gestamp, Lear Corporation and Faurecia. The NEAA continues its dialogue with stakeholders to secure further buyers at this virtual event.
Recognising the importance of the Expo, the NEAA has adapted and evolved its services to support member companies through the pandemic. Hence, the decision to include Meet the Buyer as part of its programme of events in 2021, as well as planning for a physical Expo in September 2021.
Paul Butler, chief executive at the NEAA, said: “The virtual meet the buyer will play a key role in supporting the recovery for many companies who want to re-engage with the automotive community, establish new contacts and develop a sales pipeline to recoup any lost revenue experienced during the challenging business conditions many members have faced.
“We are very grateful for the support we have received from our many Expo exhibitors over the years and it is with deepest regret that we have had to cancel the event this year. We have now been in touch with all of our supporters to make the necessary arrangements and we look forward to bringing a physical Expo event later in 2021.”
Details on how to register for North East Automotive meet the buyer will be available shortly.