At the programme’s launch event, which takes place on 19 September at Coventry Transport Museum, keynote speakers will be present from BMW, Birmingham City University (BCU) and the Department for International Trade (DIT). The event – called ‘Gearing up for Change’ – will provide insight into how automotive firms in the Midlands can address today’s challenges, from Brexit to the skills agenda.
David Shepherd, senior business development manager at Drive Midlands, says: “The Midlands remains one of the strongest automotive hubs in the world, and the growth of this sector is vital for our economy, both within the Midlands and for the UK as a whole.
“There is a gap in the region for a solely automotive support organisation that can equip automotive firms with the tools and knowledge required to help them develop and grow,” he continues. “A rapidly changing landscape, made even faster with Brexit, is creating opportunities, but also uncertainty. This new partnership will help any automotive company to recognise how they can address and overcome practical day-to-day issues, from funding to recruitment and international trade.”
Drive Midlands has engaged with more than 500 automotive specialists in the Midlands since it launched in 2016. The organisation’s partnership programme will provide additional support to companies, including training events, networking opportunities and workshop sessions led by industry experts. Business support will focus on areas such as access to finance, selling to tier-one firms, product development, recruitment and exporting.
The Gearing up for Change launch event will present topics like the impact of different Brexit scenarios on the supply chain and the growing skills gap within the industry, demonstrating the sector insight and knowledge that the partnership programme will be offering. Among the experts present at the event will be: Dr Simon Farrall, chair of the Automotive Council Skills Working Group; Dr Shishank Shishank, lecturer at BCU Business School; Jay Nagley, automotive sector specialist at DIT; and Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex.
