The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has marked its 5th anniversary by launching a new printed members’ directory and providing much needed support and guidance to those impacted by COVID-19.
During the five years the NEAA – now recognised as the largest automotive cluster in the UK – has been the catalyst for an unparalleled collaborative network where companies gain from the leadership and co-ordination of activities of mutual benefit.
Paul Butler, CEO, North East Automotive Alliance, said: “Having successfully delivered our start up strategy the Board has set our strategic plan for the mid and long term. Our vision is that the NEAA will be the catalyst through which the region becomes the location of choice for automotive investment in Europe and is recognised as a true powerhouse with a very dynamic, forward looking and competitive supply chain that has strengths in research, development and innovation in new automotive technologies and manufacturing processes.
“Our new strategy sets out our goals for the next five years. In the short-term, however, we are in unprecedented times and facing significant challenges through Brexit, electrification and now COVID-19.
“It has never been so important that we come together as a sector and as a region, to allow members and stakeholders to network, share ideas, information and best practice and to do business with one another. The NEAA will continue to work cohesively with national and regional government, the Automotive Council, SMMT, the Welsh Automotive Forum and the Northern Automotive Alliance to represent the needs of the region and to ensure we are best prepared for the future.
“We have also launched a new members’ directory to help expand our marketing portfolio, offer increased membership value and to celebrate our 5th anniversary. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote our members as the directory will play a vital role in marketing the region’s significant and growing capabilities, helping create a higher awareness of North East England as a location of choice for automotive investment and attracting talent to our sector. It is the most comprehensive review of the North East automotive industry and features over 230 companies.
“The team and I look forward to continuing our work in supporting members and stakeholders going forward, especially throughout these difficult times, to realise our vision.”
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The North East has developed a global reputation as an automotive powerhouse and the NEAA has been a key catalyst in that, harnessing the collective strength and energy of our OEMs and the associated supply chain in the region.
“NEAA marks its fifth anniversary during unprecedented times for businesses of all kinds and certainly for the automotive industry and its supply chain, but it is with their help that we will emerge from this stronger – a North East business community supporting each other to face the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead together.”