SMMT – THE VOICE OF THE UK AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

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