Member Article

North East Automotive Alliance creating new regional jobs

The newly formed North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has set up headquarters in Sunderland and is already creating jobs.

The NEAA brings together automotive manufacturing and supply businesses to help the North East grow its supply chain, unlock its global potential in this sector and improve regional competitiveness.

It is now interviewing for key roles including a project manager, marketing manager and office assistant to work with chief executive Paul Butler to drive the new organisation forward.

Sunderland City Council is supporting NEAA to help provide a strong, unified voice for the region’s automotive sector. Together they aim to increase interest from UK and global markets in becoming part of the region’s thriving automotive hub.

Funding from the European Regional Development Fund allows eligible North East businesses to promote their capabilities within the NEAA network and take part in business excellence initiatives free of charge. Those enterprises looking to enter the automotive supply chain can also benefit from training to help them overcome the barriers to enter the market.

The NEAA will be working with member companies to tackle strategic issues that companies could not address alone in order to overcome barriers to growth. It aims to improve skills and training, showcase regional capability, attract funding and involvement from government bodies and align regional and national strategic objectives.

NEAA is planning a launch event on Friday 27 March, and Paul Butler welcomes enquiries about the event and membership of the organisation.

NEAA chief executive Paul Butler said: “It’s great to be recruiting the team who will provide the year round focus on our growing automotive sector. Sunderland City Council’s advice and support has enabled us to establish our presence in the region as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is already recognised as the location of one of the world’s best car manufacturing plants, and with the creation of NEAA we have the dedicated resources which will help to position the city and region as an important hub for the automotive manufacturing and supply sector.

“The trusted relationships we have built with international automotive companies will be boosted with the strong, unified approach of NEAA working with businesses. If we can attract more supply companies to the region it will help the UK economy and strengthen the region’s ability to compete globally.”

NEAA is working closely with the UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Automotive Investment Organisation (AIO). Lawrence Davies, AIO’s deputy chief executive said: “The North East really is so, so strong when it comes to automotive, and we are keen to help the area to capitalise on the presence of major OEMs.

“The NEAA has a vital role to play in bringing the key players in the sector together, and sharing their experience to help more and more businesses come through and spur on the development of automotive manufacturing.”