SMMT’s work extends right across the UK, providing
dedicated regional services to companies in the
North, Midlands and beyond with a membership as
diverse as the sector it represents. Companies in the
supply chain, bus, coach, van, aftermarket financial
and technology sectors all make up the broad range
of firms SMMT supports.
Since the end of March, SMMT has kept members
fully informed on the latest Covid-19 developments
through regular updates, advice and clarification
while also developing automotive-specific safe
working guidance for manufacturing, retail and the
aftermarket sectors.
In September SMMT launched its Safe Harbour
Scheme to support automotive businesses in
mitigating the impact of coronavirus, preserve
manufacturing capability and save jobs. The initiative
is supported by major vehicle manufacturers and
the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (BEIS).
Moreover, the National Manufacturing
Competitiveness Levels (NMCL) Automotive
programme, developed by SMMT, now has 12
companies on board who have been offered a total
of £2.3 million to support improvements in their
competitiveness. A further 30 companies are in the process of being approved for the scheme and
applications are still open – visit nmcl.co.uk.
At the heart of the UK automotive industry
Meanwhile, SMMT is working closely with
government on other key issues impacting the sector,
including Brexit and UK trade policy, the transition
to zero emission transport and the UK-Japan FTA
negotiations, in the process holding more than 300
meetings with Secretaries of State, Ministers and MPs
and gaining high profile national media coverage.
At the same time, even amid the coronavirus pandemic,
members have benefitted from multiple networking
events including Open Forum Digital, Regional Digital
Networking and new Tech Networking in order to
create knowledge sharing and business development
opportunities, with SMMT’s Business Preparedness
Programme also on offer to help members navigate
the end of the Brexit transition period and beyond.
Membership of SMMT also provides access to
automotive data that is not available anywhere else,
including on sales, production and independent
market outlooks to help with business planning.
It looks increasingly like 2021 will be the most difficult
year faced by automotive for decades and SMMT is
on hand to support its members in navigating choppy
waters ahead.
As one of the largest and most influential
trade associations in the UK, founded in 1902,
SMMT’s resources, reputation and links with
the highest levels of government place it right
at the heart of the UK automotive industry.
If you are interested in finding out more about how
membership can boost your business, please contact
Alison Handley, Membership and Publications
Manager, SMMT - ahandley@smmt.co.uk
Article and images courtesy of SMMT