Automotive businesses tell us that there is a need for an organisation in the Midlands which is there just for the sector.

Half of the UK’s automotive activity is in the Midlands but there is no regional organisation uniquely concentrating on supporting the sector. Until now. Drive Midlands has created the Automotive Partnership, dedicated to the automotive industry in the Midlands. To launch this partnership, Drive Midlands are hosting an event on Wednesday 19^th September at Coventry Transport Museum, 08:00 – 13:15. The event will begin with interesting, informative and relevant presentations on what Brexit might mean for your automotive business, how to win new business and addressing the skills challenge amongst many others. Exclusive panel discussions will allow you to have your say. Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Register here

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Greater Birmingham & Solihull’s regional economy has thrived over the past year. The area has cemented its position as the leading core city region for economic growth. Thousands of private sector jobs are being created, major infrastructure projects are underway and new educational and training centres have been opened.

You are invited to join the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) at its fifth Annual Conference. The event will consider how we can all build on the region’s recent successes to create a stronger economy for all – from Cannock Chase to Redditch, Wyre Forest to Birmingham, Tamworth to Solihull.

At this pivotal point for our city region, the conference will provide an update on current economic issues, review what has been achieved during the last year, and consider what the future holds for the LEP and the region overall.

The agenda will feature esteemed speakers from Greater Birmingham & Solihull’s high growth sectors: Creative Industries; Business, Financial & Professional Services; Life Sciences; Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Technologies. Each speaker will provide an insight into the future of their industries, and what we must invest in as a region to continue to grow our vibrant economy.

The event will also highlight a range of projects that GBSLEP has supported – from assisting and advising local high growth businesses, to funding major regeneration schemes, and providing education providers with new spaces and equipment.

You will be able to ask questions of GBSLEP’s Chair, Tim Pile, meet the wider LEP Board and executive, and network with other senior stakeholders from across the region. It is a free event for the private, public and third sectors.

To sign up for your space and more information click here.

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Join this Midlands Engine trade visit to Detroit, designed specifically for companies operating within the automotive sector: OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 supply chain companies. This is an excellent opportunity for UK companies to navigate their way through the US automotive market.

Why Detroit? Detroit is a key destination for the automotive industry. With nearly 85% of the world’s major car and parts manufacturers based there, it is difficult to over-state the importance of Detroit and South East Michigan on the industry. The city is regenerating and rebranding itself as the global centre for mobility. It has had huge investments in every aspect of the auto industry, from R&D to manufacturing, development of autonomous technology, precision engineering, connected car software and drivetrain electrification. Add an active focus on Industry 4.0, the highest concentration of engineers in the country, a highly skilled workforce and a number of engineering focused universities and you have over 30 square miles packed with opportunities. Quick facts: • The State of Michigan is home to 92 of the top 100 suppliers to North America. • More than 10 billion USD is spent on automotive R&D annually - 75 percent of the U.S. total. • More than 2,200 facilities conduct automotive research, design, engineering, testing and validation in the state of Michigan. For more information on this visit click here Register your interest in joining this visit today, free and without obligation. For any queries please contact Stéphane Lambotte, International Trade Adviser and High Performance Technology Specialist for DIT East Midlands at: stephane.lambotte@mobile.trade.gov.uk  

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